President Jacob Zuma of South Africa arrived in Seychelles early this morning for an important meeting with the rival political leaders of Madagascar. 

President Zuma, the chairman of SADC, was met at the airport by President James Michel, who is hosting current leader Andriy Rajaelina and former President Marc Ravalomanana on the resort island of Desroches.  The South African and Seychellois presidents flew to Desroches for the conclusion of SADC and Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) efforts to resolve the political issues of Madagascar.

President James Michel, the Patron of the Seychelles Football Federation, welcomed delegates to the opening of  the 8th Extraordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) at the Ephelia Resort, Port Launay on Monday morning. 

The opening was attended by Vice-President Danny Faure, the President of FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), Mr Sepp Blatter, the President of the CAF, Mr Issa Hayatou, CAF Vice-President, Mr Suketu Patel, Seychelles Football Federation Chairman, Mr Joel Decommarmond, as well as Ministers and conference delegates.

The President welcomed the delegates to Seychelles and spoke of the important contributions that football can bring to the development of young people across the African continent.  The President also spoke of the progress Seychelles has made in football competitions in the region.

During his address, the President of FIFA, Mr. Sepp Blatter commended the choice of Seychelles as the venue for the CAF meeting, calling the islands ‘a paradise where hospitality is remarkable.’ Mr. Blatter also noted that Seychelles exemplifies the diversity of the world of football where both large and small countries participate in sporting matches of the global arena.

President James Michel, President of the Republic of Seychelles, visited Eden Island on Thursday 6 December 2012. He was hosted by Craig Heeger, Chairman of the Board of Eden Island. The President visited Eden House, the Clubhouse, Apartments and Villas, beaches, and the Retail Centre which will be opened by vice President Danny Faure on Tues 11 Dec 2012. 

The President was delighted with progress achieved since his last visit in October 2010, and remarked on the hugely impressive quality achieved. He was particularly impressed with the lush landscaping and the abundance of fruit-bearing trees on Eden Island.