Finland's new ambassador to Seychelles has eye on energy projects, maritime security

Seychelles President James Michel receiving the accreditation letter of Ambassador Tarja Fernández  ( Louis Toussaint, Seychelles News Agency)

(Seychelles News Agency) - Seychelles and Finland share ongoing partnerships in renewable energy and sustainable development projects, the country's new ambassador said. 

Ambassador Tarja Fernández made the statement to the media after presenting her accreditation letter to Seychelles President James Michel on Tuesday.

“We share quite a lot in terms of sustainable development and we have been supporting some of the renewable energy solar power projects in the past and some are still ongoing,” said Ambassador Fernández.

The Seychelles archipelago, which consists of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean, has limited energy resources and depends heavily on imported fuel for electricity generation.

President Michel and ambassador Fernández discussing cooperation in areas of renewable energy and sustainable development ( Louis Toussaint, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

In 2013 the island nation of 93,000 people set up eight wind turbines to provide electricity to around 2,000 homes.

In her discussion with the Seychelles head of state, Fernández talked about cooperation in maritime areas. 

“We will continue to cooperate in the area of maritime security. Finland is part of the training crew that is training the East Africa Standby Force. We are looking forward to organize another course this year as well here,” stated Fernández.

Both Fernández and Michel agreed that there is a need to maintain peace and security in the Indian Ocean. Existing anti-piracy structures can be used to fight against crimes crossing borders, particularly illicit drugs, to ensure stability in the region.

Ambassador Fernández will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.