ABU DHABI // A coastguard base in the Seychelles, funded by the UAE, has been completed.
James Michel, the president of the Seychelles and commander-in-chief of the Seychelles People's Defence Forces, thanked the UAE for its donation for the project, which was started in October last year and finished on Friday.
The US$15 million (Dh55m) project covers 30,000 square metres and includes a jetty, helicopter pad, hangar, recreational facilities, ship repair and maintenance facilities and living quarters for officers, the state news agency Wam reported yesterday.
"We are very proud today and very fortunate to have one of the most modern naval bases in the region," said Brig Leopold Payet, the chief of the Seychelles defence forces.
Brig Payet thanked Sheikh Khalifa, the President, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, for the donation.
Brig Gen Ibrahim Al Musharak, the chief of naval staff for the UAE, said: "On this occasion we add another stone to our mighty wall of friendship.
"Together we can contribute to a safer and more prosperous world."
Among the crowd of spectators were Maj Gen Eissa Al Mazroui, the deputy chief of staff of the UAE Armed Forces, and Mallallah Al Ameri, the UAE ambassador to the Seychelles.
