New Norwegian ambassador, outgoing UN resident coordinator call on Foreign Affairs minister |14 October 2022

Mrs Umutoni paying her farewell call on Minister Radegonde

The newly accredited ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Seychelles, Gunnar Andreas Holm, and the outgoing United Nations resident coordinator for Seychelles and Mauritius, Christine Umutoni, made separate calls on the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde, this week.

While Mr Holm’s visit was a courtesy one, Mrs Umutoni is in the country on her farewell visit marking the end of her tenure.

Discussions between Minister Radegonde and Ambassador Holm centred on common interests and concerns shared by both governments, among which were the effects of climate change, sustainable development plans, and maritime security.

The two diplomats also addressed areas where Seychelles and Norway can work together for the benefit of both nations, such as underwater research and environmental issues.

Norway being an elected member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the period 2021/2022, Ambassador Holm reiterated his country’s position in promoting matters that are of mutual interest to both Norway and Seychelles, notably ocean governance and climate change.

He also commended Seychelles for its role in the maritime sector and for promoting safety at sea.

On his part, Minister Radegonde also sought the support of Norway to advocate in favour of small island developing states (Sids), such as Seychelles, for the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) concept on international platforms.

Also present at the meeting were the principal secretary for Tourism, Sherin Francis; the director general for Bilateral Affairs, Lindy Ernesta; the honorary consul of the Kingdom of Norway, Chrystold Chetty; the counsellor for Energy and Commercial Affairs at the embassy of Norway in Nairobi, Kjell Erik Brekke and second secretary, Ryan Adeline.

Ambassador Holm will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Seychelles and Norway established diplomatic relations in February 1985.

During her farewell call marking the end of her tenure as UNRC to Seychelles and

Mauritius, Mrs Umutoni elaborated on the work implemented during her time in office, namely through the changes in the coordination work of all UN agencies operating in Seychelles, the establishment of the Strategic Partnership Framework, and the first UN-Government Policy Dialogue that took place in June 2022.

“It has been a pleasure serving in Seychelles, and I have no doubt that my

successor will continue the work we have started,” expressed Mrs Umutoni.

On his part, Minister Radegonde expressed his sincere appreciation for the cooperation extended by the UN under her leadership, noting the excellent partnership shared throughout the years.

Other topics discussed were the Blue economy, tourism, and the environment.

Also present at the meeting were the director general for Multilateral Affairs, Amenda Padayachy, and other officials of the Foreign Affairs department.

Mrs Umutoni was accredited as the UNRC on January 23, 2018.

Press release from the Foreign Affairs department