Foreign Affairs & Tourism Minister Sylvestre Radegonde hosts annual diplomatic cocktail |18 February 2023

Minister Radegonde and Ambassador Azaïs proposing a toast

‘Seychelles stands for more equitable and sustainable world order’

Seychelles’ position is “unequivocal” in rejecting “any order by whichever designation, based on force, coercion and threats, and on the advancement of the sole interests and values of a few,” Minister for Foreign Affairs & Tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde, has stated.

The minister said this during the annual diplomatic cocktail held yesterday evening at the L’Escale Resort Marina & Spa in the presence of President Wavel Ramkalawan.

He asserted Seychelles’ position towards a more equitable and sustainable world order, “based on cooperation, dialogue, solidarity, respect for sovereignty of nations, and the rights of individual nations and individuals,” in the face of a rapidly changing global landscape.

The event, which groups together the diplomatic and consular corps and government officials, was this year held under the theme ‘Multi-polarity ‒Seychelles’ place in the emerging world order’.

Minister Radegonde seized the opportunity to outline the various principles guiding Seychelles’ foreign policy, and which are of capital importance to the nation, reflecting the values, culture, aspirations and principles of the Seychellois people.

“Seychelles is committed to never comprising on its principles, despite the challenges that we face. This commitment is reflected in our actions and decisions, as well as our engagement with the international community. We are determined to maintain our independence and to promote our interests, even in the face of challenges and opposition,” he said.

Of the key pillars characterising Seychelles’ foreign policy are the promotion of stability and security in the region, an abiding commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development, and advocating for small islands developing states (Sids) who are vulnerable to external influence, thus making them susceptible to fall victim to other states undermining their sovereignty and independence.

Echoing the plea of President Wavel Ramkalawan at the 2023 World Government Summit earlier this week, he highlighted Seychelles’ role in consistently advocating for the global adoption of a Multi-Dimensional Vulnerability Index.

Furthermore, Minister Radegonde made reference to another key pillar guiding Seychelles’ foreign policy, the protection of the country’s sovereignty and independence.

“Seychelles is a proud and independent nation, and it is committed to maintaining its independence and protecting its national interests. This pillar is critical to Seychelles’ ability to determine its own future and to pursue national goals and objectives,” he added.

In concluding, Minister Radegonde welcomed the new dean of the diplomatic corps, and expressed gratitude towards the diplomatic and consular corps for their continued support in advancing cooperation between Seychelles and their respective countries and institutions.

Newly appointed dean of the diplomatic corps, Ambassador Francesca Azaïs of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, reassured her fellow diplomats and partners that she will do her best to work with them all to strengthen the ties between the different missions, and to improve cooperation with the Seychelles government, across all fields.

“I think diplomacy is the art of solving and preventing conflicts, of working with dedication, friendship and mutual respect between colleagues and with the government of the country we are accredited to,” she stated.

Ambassador Azaïs went on to state that Seychelles, as the most advanced country in the Indian Ocean, is recognised for its strong democracy, respect for human rights and social and economic justice and stability, thanking President Ramkalawan for having played a proactive role in diplomacy over the past two years in the pursuit of national interest, and peace and solidarity.

Speaking of the Order of Malta which she represents, Ambassador Azaïs reaffirmed their aim in providing help to those in need around the world, and in spreading a message of peace, fraternity and compassion among all human beings.

Also in attendance for the event was First Lady Linda Ramkalawan among other dignitaries.

Laura Pillay

Photos by Louis Toussaint