Sheikh Saud holds talks with President of Seychelles

During the meeting, both the leaders reviewed opportunities for strengthening bilateral cooperation especially in the energy, tourism and industrial sectors.

Sheikh Saud welcomed President James Michel, adding that his visit would help widen the scope of cooperation between Ras Al Khaimah and Seychelles. "I am sure that the visit by President James Michel to Ras Al Khaimah will mark the beginning of a closer and comprehensive relationship between Ras Al Khaimah and Seychelles," he said.

Giving an overview of the development agenda of the emirate to the visiting delegation, Sheikh Saud said, "Ras Al Khaimah has over the last five years made significant progress in implementing its development plan with the aim to become a leading destination for tourism, industries and services in the region."

President James Michel said that there was huge potential to further develop and consolidate business and investment ties between Ras Al Khaimah and Seychelles.

"Seychelles and Ras Al Khaimah can have a wonderful partnership that would make good use of each other's competencies and advantages for mutual benefit,"

he added.

They also discussed the oil exploration programme currently underway in Seychelles. Dubai- based oil and gas exploration company, Black Marlin Energy, in which Ras Al Khaimah based RAK Gas has a 28 % stake, had yesterday announced the commencement of second seismic survey on its exploration acreage in Seychelles along with subsidiary East African Exploration Limited (EAX) and partners Avana Petroleum.

President James Michel was accompanied by Secretary of State, Jean-Paul Adam and Chairman and CEO of Seychelles Petroleum Company, Captain Guy Adam.

Dr. Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim, Director General of RAK Economic Development Department, Mohammed A Al Mehrizi, Director General of RAK Customs and Ports Department, Ruurd Abma, Chief Operating Officer of RAK Gas, Jeff Hume, CEO of Black Marlin Energy, and a number of officials were present at the meeting.

K R Rajeev
Media and Communications Office
Government of Ras Al Khaimah
Off: 00971 7 2289421
Fax: 00971 7 2270426