Victoria, June 28 (IANS) Seychelles National Assembly Speaker, Azarel Ernesta, praised the democracy of India as Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a special address during his state visit to the archipelagic island.

“Democracy is a journey experienced by each nation in its own time and in its own way, and India stands as a beacon of excellence, not just as the largest democracy in the world, but also as the Mother of Democracy…,” Ernesta said in her remarks on the occasion.

“I believe you (PM Modi) are the first Prime Minister to address our House and through this House, our people. We are grateful and appreciative of the time you have taken to convey your message to us,” she added.

Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly, Sylvanne Lemiel, welcomed PM Modi’s presence as Guest of Honour for their independence anniversary and said it made the occasion “meaningful”.

“It is an occasion of exceptional significance for our Republic. As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the independence of Seychelles, it is a great honour to welcome to our House the distinguished Guest of Honour, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India. Prime Minister Modi, your presence today makes this historic occasion even more meaningful…” Lemiel noted.

PM Modi expressed gratitude for the warmth and friendship extended by the people of Seychelles.

“Addressed the National Assembly of Seychelles today. Expressed my gratitude for the warmth and friendship extended by the people of Seychelles. Spoke about the long-lasting partnership between our two nations that is built on shared values. It was also an honour interacting with the Members of the Assembly,” he wrote on X.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi was conferred with the ‘Guardian of the Blue Horizon’, Seychelles’ highest distinction for leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable development.

The award acknowledges PM Modi’s long-standing push for sustainable growth and his green vision.

Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to President Patrick Herminie for the warm welcome and honouring him with the “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” award.

“I humbly accept this title with honour and dedicate it to all other countries that are struggling against the challenges of climate change and that consider the protection of the environment their responsibility toward future generations. This is an urgent challenge that we need to overcome together,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.

–IANS

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