Russia National Day |22 June 2023

‘Russia strongly opposes any sort of double standards approach,’ says Ambassador Kozhin

“Russia strongly opposes any sort of double standards approach, attempts to substitute international law with so-called ‘rules based order’, as well as manifestations of neo-colonialism.”

Russian ambassador to Seychelles, Artyom Kozhin, said this during a ceremony on the occasion of his country’s National Day, held at the Labriz Gastro Lounge, Bel Ombre.

The date commemorates the Declaration of National Sovereignty of the Russian Federation, approved on June 12, 1990 by the first Congress of People's Deputies of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR), after the beginning of the process of disintegration of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). In 1992 the date was proclaimed a national holiday and in 2002 it officially began to be called Russia Day.

Among those present were Chief Justice Rony Govinden, Minister for Education Dr Justin Valentin, Attorney General Frank Ally, leader of the opposition in the National Assembly Sebastien Pillay, Chief of Defence Forces Brigadier Michael Rosette, Police Commissioner Ted Barbé, Secretary General of Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts David André, Acting Mayor of Victoria Lydia Charlie, principal secretaries for foreign affairs, transport, sports, members of the diplomatic corps, the Russian community and many others.

Ambassador Kozhin said one of Russia’s great diplomats of the past, Prince Alexander Gorchakov, whose anniversary – 225 years since he was born – is being celebrated these days, used to say: “Russia is not angry. Russia is focused”. The ambassador added that Russia is “focused on securing its national interests and promoting ties with friendly countries.”

“Modern day Russia is a country with a dynamically developing self-sufficient economy and independent foreign policy. Being one of the founding states of the United Nations (UN) and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Russia has consistently advocated for the strengthening of international relations framework and world economy based on universal norms of international law, above all on the UN Charter.

“Russia continues to contribute towards the enhancement of various multilateral bodies; both regional and global, to which it is part of, such as Eurasian Economic Union, BRICS, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Collective Security Treaty Organisation and others. Within these structures we are working together to ensure attainment of sustainable development goals. While implementing these tasks, we strongly oppose any sort of double standards approach, attempts to substitute international law with so-called ‘rules based order’, as well as manifestations of neo-colonialism,” said Ambassador Kozhin.

He added that globally, Russia is multiplying its efforts to ensure food security. “Russia is fulfilling its commitments under international contracts on the exports of agro-industrial products, fertilisers, energy sources and other goods that, in particular, Africa needs. We will continue doing that despite the obstacles that the West is creating to prevent the deepening of our cooperation with African states,” noted Ambassador Kozhin.

The ambassador added that in July this year, the city of St Petersburg will host the Second Russia-Africa Summit and the related economic and humanitarian forum. He noted that some of the events preceding the summit have already taken place, for example the Russia-Africa parliamentary conference in Moscow in March, which the delegation of the National Assembly attended.

“We are confident that our major goal should be turning Russia-Africa cooperation into a strategic partnership, which is absolutely realistic.

“As President Vladimir Putin said in a message to the African leaders, ‘Russia values the traditionally friendly relations with its African partners, unwaveringly supporting their efforts aimed at resolving local conflicts, countering terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking and epidemic diseases, as well as addressing other regional and global security challenges’. The results of the St. Petersburg Summit will definitely provide an impetus for the development of our bilateral relations for the coming years. We are expecting a high-level Seychelles delegation to participate in the summit,” emphasised Ambassador Kozhin.

Speaking of bilateral ties between Seychelles and Russia, Mr Kozhin said the current year turned out to be very dynamic for our countries as once again, Russia was the top market for local tourism industry.

“This, of course, has become possible thanks to the resumption of the Aeroflot Russian Airlines direct flights between Moscow and Victoria. Seychelles remains to be one of the most desirable destinations for our tourists, who are champions within the spending index.

“Another important sphere of cooperation that has been very successful in the past months is education. The recent visit of a group of Russian educators to Seychelles, their contacts with local educational institutions and non-governmental organisations made it possible to revive here the interest in Russian language and culture studies. I would like to use this opportunity to congratulate the Seychelles-Russia Friendship Association, which embraces the alumni of Soviet and Russian universities, on restarting its activities. Russia continues to offer scholarships to Seychelles.

“Sports is another sphere of cooperation that has huge potential and is already starting to gain momentum.

“In the very end of 2021, a Twin City Agreement was signed between Victoria and Rostov-on-Don, the stronghold of Russian agricultural sector, a vibrant cultural, research and education centre. We witness an intense people-to-people exchange between the two cities, contributing to bringing the two nations closer.

“I cannot fail to mention the Russian investors that for a long time have been steadily present in Seychelles. They participate in the development of the country, creating jobs and advancing bilateral economic cooperation. The list is long, but I should definitely note the sponsor of tonight’s seafood – Oceana Fisheries,” concluded Ambassador Kozhin.

On behalf of the government and people of Seychelles, Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry Minister Devika Vidot, extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Ambassador Kozhin, the government and people of the Russian Federation as well as the Russian community in Seychelles.

Minister Vidot said the National Day of Russia holds great significance, as it marks the unity and resilience of the Russian people in their pursuit of progress and development.

“Russia has always been a land of great diversity, with a rich mix of languages, religions, and cultures. This diversity is one of your greatest strengths,” said Minister Vidot, adding that Seychelles and Russia have enjoyed a longstanding relationship based on mutual respect, trust, and cooperation.

“Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1976, our two nations have fostered deep ties, collaborating in various fields such as tourism, sports, education, capacity-building, health, culture and science. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Russia for the support that it has provided us over the past 47 years. I believe the Russian embassy and the government of Seychelles have a friendly working relationship which allows us to treat matters of concerns openly, in all frankness and honesty, and with mutual respect for one another,” added Minister Vidot.

She said that beyond the realm of bilateral relations, Seychelles acknowledges Russia's efforts in combatting climate change, and other related issues of concern to small islands developing dates and that Seychelles, a nation particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, looks forward to further cooperation in tackling this pressing issue.

Minister Vidot stressed that people-to-people exchanges are important aspects of the relationship between our two countries.

“In March this year, two members of the National Assembly of Seychelles attended the Second International Parliamentary Conference entitled ‘Russia–Africa’ in Moscow. Russia’s engagement with Africa continues. I would like to take this opportunity to wish the Russian Federation every success in the organisation of the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit, which is to be held this July in St Petersburg,” said the minister who pointed out that from January to May 2023, 16,468 visitors from the Russian Federation have come to Seychelles, while in 2022, a total of 30,573 Russian tourists chose Seychelles as a holiday destination.

“I hope that the numbers will significantly increase this year,” said Minister Vidot before acknowledging the invaluable contributions of the Russian people to the fields of science, technology, arts, and literature.

“Russia's rich cultural heritage has left an indelible mark on the world, and its artistic expressions continue to captivate and inspire. We celebrate the diversity and creativity that flow from the hearts and minds of the Russian people,” she concluded.

The accompanying photos show some highlights of the reception.

Text & photos contributed