UAE celebrates 52nd National Day |22 November 2023
Mr Alneyadi, President Ramkalawan and Minister Radegonde
To mark the 52nd anniversary of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on December 2, 2023, its chargé d’affaires in Seychelles, Ahmed Saeed Alneyadi, last night hosted a reception at the Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa, Beau Vallon.
In attendance were President Wavel Ramkalawan; Vice-President Ahmed Afif; designated Minister Jean François Ferrari; Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Rony Govinden; President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Anthony Fernando; Former President, Danny Faure; ministers; government officials; members of the National Assembly and other dignitaries.
In his opening remarks, Mr Alneyadi highlighted his country’s successes under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, where it has emerged as a leading model in the field of sustainable economic development on the global stage.
He noted that the nation has achieved an unprecedented milestone in its foreign trade during the first half of 2023, hitting over AED 1.239 trillion and marking an increase of 14.4% in comparison to the previous year.
Mr Alneyadi added that the UAE has formalised comprehensive economic partnerships with several active global economies and has solidified its commitment to space exploration where next year it will be the launching the ‘Mohammed bin Zayed SAT’ (MBZ-SAT) satellite, set to be a paramount addition to the nation's space exploration efforts, which will enhance the UAE’s contributions to global space science.
“One of the UAE’s top priorities when it launched the ‘Year of Sustainability’ was to raise awareness about environmental sustainability and address the challenges associated with climate change. The country will shortly host the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) at the Expo Dubai. The conference will bring together world leaders and experts in an effort to mitigate the risks facing our planet,” Mr Alneyadi said.
He stated that UAE is committed to the United Nations and its election for a seat on the Human Rights Council for the period 2022-2024 during the 54th UN session is a recognition of the country’s ongoing efforts to enhance and protect human rights at the national, regional, and international levels.
He added that the UAE is playing a prominent role in addressing crucial challenges of our time. These included promoting peaceful conflict resolution, prioritising humanitarian relief, safeguarding peace, addressing global health crisis, harnessing innovation, developing the international framework to combat terrorism, supporting gender equality, empowering women, and enhancing their meaningful and equal participation in conflict resolution and peace processes.
“On this auspicious occasion, I would like to repeat what His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, had said before, when he confirmed that the UAE will remain a key partner and supporter of everything that brings about progress and development for humanity, and enhances the world's ability to meet its challenges, foremost of which are climate change, food security, diseases, epidemics and poverty, among others,” he said.
In ending Mr Alneyadi extended his heartfelt thanks to President Ramkalawan, wishing him long lasting health, progress and prosperity as well as to the people of Seychelles.
For his part the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde said that the UAE National Day holds great significance not only for the Emirati people but also for the entire region and beyond.
He added that Seychelles and the UAE share a longstanding friendship and a strong partnership where both nations have worked closely in various sectors, including tourism, trade, investment, education, healthcare, housing and renewable energy.
Minister Radegonde stated that since formal diplomatic relations between Seychelles and the UAE were established in 1982, the bilateral ties have grown from strength to strength with a relationship built on mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for a better future.
“We deeply appreciate the assistance and support provided by the UAE in areas such as infrastructure development, capacity building, maritime security, the blue economy, renewable energy, investment, trade, tourism, education and healthcare. As regards this last, a recent, significant gesture on the part of the UAE is the financing and construction of a modern and state-of-the-art hospital on La Digue, which was inaugurated on August 15 this year. Other important projects in the pipeline include the completion of the West Coast Road Improvement Project and the construction of the Orkid Estate housing project phase 2 and 3 at Barbarons, comprising a total of 80 social housing units,” the minister stated.
Minister Radegonde also commended UAE’s offer of scholarships made to Seychellois students this year, which he said was testament to its commitment towards investing in the empowerment of our youth. He added that we are not only appreciative of the UAE’s unwavering support and cooperation, but are also constantly reminded of its boundless generosity.
Speaking on UAE’s commitment on the internal scene, Minister Radegonde said that its commitment to peace, security, and humanitarian efforts in the region is commendable especially in regards to facilitating dialogue, resolving conflicts, and promoting development in the Gulf and beyond, which Seychelles is very appreciative of.
He added that UAE's initiatives, including the establishment of Masdar City and its commitment to renewable energy, have set an example for the world to follow and Seychelles, as a small island developing state, greatly values its leadership in environmental conservation, renewable energy and sustainable practices.
“I would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the leadership and people of the United Arab Emirates for their friendship, support, and partnership. We reaffirm our commitment to further strengthen our bilateral ties and explore new avenues of cooperation,” Minister Radegonde said.
In conclusion, he expressed to the President of the United Arab Emirates the best of wishes for his good health and wellbeing and prosperity of the people of the UAE. He also wished the UAE a successful COP28.
The ceremony ended with a raffle draw and reception.
Text & photos by Patrick Joubert
