U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs Note: Following is a press release by the Republic of Seychelles Office of the President. It is posted on the U.S. Africa Command website to increase public awareness of the cooperation between Seychelles and the United States.

The President of the Republic has hailed the discussions with General William E. Ward, Commander of U.S Africa Command as "extremely warm and fruitful."

President James Michel has welcomed the announcement by the United States of their intention to operate surveillance assets, to include P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles in Seychelles.

The announcement follows in depth high level discussions between the two countries on means of strengthening the security situation in the region and builds on provisions of the Status of Forces Agreement recently ratified by the Seychelles National Assembly.

Following the incidents of piracy around the Seychelles EEZ earlier this year which also resulted in the capture of several Seychellois nationals, President Michel made a call for international support from all partners to counter the scourge of piracy.

The strengthening of US surveillance in collaboration with the Seychelles government will be a key component in the fight against piracy in the region.

"This new venture is both a concrete step in the fight against piracy and a symbol of the trust and understanding which exists between the governments of the Republic of Seychelles and the United States of America. We look forward to continually strengthening this partnership based on our mutual desire for peace and stability in the region," the President stated following this morning's meeting.

The President met with Mrs. Virginia Blaser, U.S Chargée d'Affaires, and General William E. Ward, Commander U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) as well as other high ranking U.S military personnel.