H.E. Mr Özkoçak presenting his credentials to President Rene

The newly accredited Turkish ambassador has said that steps need to be taken to kick start relations between Seychelles and Turkey.

Speaking at State House on Tuesday March 30, after presenting his credentials to President France Albert René, Ambassador Varol Özkoçak said that Turko-Seychelles relations had stalled in recent years and that the time was now right to rectify the situation.

"Since 2000 there hasn't been any progress made, so (the President and I) took up the subject of what should be done between the two countries. We should certainly do something more," said His Excellency Mr Özkoçak.

He also outlined the reason for the hiatus in relations, saying, "There was the economic crisis in Turkey which meant we could not do the things we wanted to do with our African partners, but now that we are in a good shape we will do more."

H.E. Mr Özkoçak said that he and the President had discussed ways of developing the relationship between the two countries and had sought to address legal ties, for instance agreements for the avoidance of double taxation, the development of a trade and economic agreement and also possible tourist links.

According to the new ambassador Seychelles is little known by the Turkish public, but he was quick to stress the potential for attracting Turkish holidaymakers to the islands.

"The Turkish people need to discover Seychelles and I think once they do they will keep coming," he said, adding that he would be pushing for a direct flight from the Turkish capital Istanbul to Nairobi, which would facilitate Turkish travel to the region.

On his first African posting H.E. Mr Özkoçak is accredited to Kenya (where he is based), Uganda, Tanzania and the Comoros, as well as Seychelles.

He said that, "East Africa is quite another world and I will do my best to strengthen relations. The region is certainly unique and Seychelles is another dimension."

H.E. Mr Özkoçak is the second Turkish ambassador to be accredited to Seychelles, following the establishment of diplomatic relations in June 1995.

He said that he hoped to mark next year's tenth anniversary of the establishment of official ties.

"We should celebrate it, but not only celebrate it, we should do something concrete to mark the tenth anniversary," he said, without giving further details.

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