Szijjarto discusses security cooperation with Seychelles counterpart

The foreign ministers of Hungary and the Republic of Seychelles have signed an agreement designed to contribute to the stability and security of the island state, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto told a press conference after talks with his Seychelles counterpart, Sylvestre Radegonde. Szijjarto is the first Hungarian foreign minister to make an official visit to the Seychelles, the foreign ministry noted in a statement on Tuesday, adding that Szijjarto's visit was a mark of the importance of developing ties between the two countries. Given its location off the east coast of Africa, the Seychelles plays a key role in ensuring maritime security and eastern Africa's stability, the ministry said. "In effect, it also protects Europe," it added. Hungary therefore supports European Union plans to boost its "Atalanta" marine operation against piracy and to provide financial support with the aim of easing the burden on Seychelles institutions such as the judiciary, the statement said.