UAE chargé d'affaires hosts 51st National Day anniversary reception |02 December 2022

Minister Radegonde addressing the gathering

To mark the United Arab Emirates’ 51st National Day which is being celebrated today, December 2, its Chargé d'affaires in Seychelles, Ahmed AlNeyadi, hosted a reception at the Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa, yesterday evening.

The ceremony was attended by President Wavel Ramkalawan and First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, Vice- President Ahmed Afif and Mrs Stella Afif, ministers, government officials and dignitaries.

During his opening remarks, Mr Al Neyadi hailed the bilateral relations between Seychelles and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which he said have evolved into a strong strategic partnership over the years, which has reaped numerous benefits towards the well-being of all people.

Mr Al Neyadi highlighted the UAE’s adoption of economic strategies that stimulate economic diversification, away from oil, and current efforts to build an economy based on knowledge and diversity, reinforced by scientific and technological progress.

He noted that the UAE seeks to strengthen its international position by prioritising economic prosperity of the people.

“The UAE seeks to become a global capital of investment and economic innovation, and in this regard, the UAE has undertaken major reforms to prevent financial crimes and will continue to strengthen its approach, in line with international standards and the global agenda to combat money-laundering and terrorist financing,” he said.

Supporting women, peace and security within the UAE as well as on a global basis are among the commitments of the UAE government, Mr Al Neyadi highlighted, as evidenced by its contributions towards United Nations (UN) Women, launched in 2010.

Of cultural diplomacy, Mr Al Neyadi said it is vital in building bridges of understanding between nations to increase cooperation. There has been increasing appreciation worldwide of the UAE’s agenda, and fundamental values, thanks to initiatives such as Expo 2020 Dubai, he added.

The UAE will continue to offer international aid, based on the principles of humanity and solidarity, with this being essential towards its vision and moral duty towards less fortunate people, solving global challenges, and creating a better future. 

In a bid to further strengthen and enhance the existing cooperation between Seychelles and UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE,was received at State House by President of the Republic of Seychelles Wavel Ramkalawan, in August this year.

“During their meeting, several matters of cooperation were discussed between the two leaders. Both expressed their wishes, and willingness to further enhance the relations between Seychelles and the UAE, as both leaders share a common interest in the various fields, and place great importance on the environment, conservation, and renewable sources of energy. Finally, both leaders reciprocated greetings and express their commitment so that the existing diplomatic relations continue to grow through areas of mutual interest,” Mr Al Neyadi added.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and TourismSylvestre Radegonde, on behalf of President Ramkalawan, the people and the government of Seychelles conveyed warmest congratulations and good wishes to the people and the government of the UAE on the momentous occasion.

The minister went on to highlight the harmonious and dynamic relationship between the UAE and Seychelles, one that continues to grow from strength to strength because of the special bonds of friendship, solidarity and cooperation that bind our two countries and peoples.

Seychelles and the UAE established diplomatic relations in December 1982, and have since been working to promote relations in various fields, to the mutual benefit of both nations. This year will mark 40 years since the establishment of bilateral ties between the two states.

“As we enter 2023, Seychelles’ economy is getting stronger as it recovers from the pandemic. This progress would not have been possible without the help of dependable partners like the UAE, which in December 2020 was the first country to make a donation of vaccines, followed by its second donation in February 2021. These generous donations allowed Seychelles to reopen its borders and assist in the recovery process of our tourism industry. For this, we are grateful,” said Minister Radegonde.

“The assistance of the UAE in funding the state-of-the art healthcare facilities on La Digue island, the installation of the solar farm on the island of Romainville, as well as the modernisation and transformation of our public service, among others, are further proof of the more recent and continued support and commitment of the UAE towards the socio-economic development of Seychelles,” Minister Radegonde stated.

Additionally, the minister expressed gratitude to the UAE government for their support in upcoming projects, namely phase two of the Barbarons housing project, which is to comprise a new batch of 40 units.

Of the National Day, a celebration of the achievements and tremendous progress that the UAE has made over the last 51 years, Minister Radegonde highlighted the milestones in the medical, educational, technological and social arenas.

Furthermore, he seized the opportunity to congratulate the UAE for being selected as the host of the 2023 COP 28 Climate Summit.

In ending his address, Minister Radegonde proposed a toast to the good health and well-being ofPresident of the United Arab Emirates, Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to the prosperity of the people and the UAE government of the United Arab Emirates, and to the friendship between the two nations.

Laura Pillay

Photos by Joena Meme