Annual diplomatic cocktail |24 February 2024

A toast by Minister Radegonde and Ambassador Azais (Photo: Patrick Joubert)

Non-aligned status helps Seychelles engage diplomatically on world stage

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde, has reiterated Seychelles’ non-aligned status to any particular bloc or alliance on the world stage.

Minister Radegonde was speaking at the annual diplomatic cocktail organised by the foreign affairs department to thank diplomatic and consular corps, as well as representatives from the offices of international organisations based in the country, for their continued support to Seychelles.

The event under the theme ‘Leveraging Diplomacy to Overcome Emerging Challenges,’ was held yesterday evening at the Laïla Resort, Anse Royale.

Also in attendance were President Wavel Ramkalawan and First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, Speaker of the National Assembly Roger Mancienne, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Rony Govinden, president of the Court of Appeal Anthony Fernando, ministers, members of the National Assembly, and high government officials.

Minister Radegonde stated that it is Seychelles that has to determine how best to safeguard and promote its national interests amidst geopolitical landscapes and the multitude of global issues facing the country.

He noted that by embracing a stance of non-alignment, Seychelles navigates the international arena with a principled commitment to independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The minister added that this posture empowers the country to engage diplomatically on the world stage, unfettered by allegiance to any particular bloc or alliance.

He added that the country firmly upholds the principle of voicing its positions with respect and assertiveness, standing firm on matters of principle or disagreement while preserving the integrity of its diplomatic relations.

“Despite our non-aligned status, Seychelles remains steadfast in its resolve to articulate our perspectives with clarity and conviction, even when they may diverge from those of our international partners and at times in the face of external pressures. I emphasise my message from last year: we will not compromise on our independence, our sovereignty, or our territorial integrity,” stated Minister Radegonde.

He said that while the country reiterates its condemnation of any action, by any country that is in violation of the UN Charter “we unequivocally condemned the horrific attacks carried out by Hamas on Israeli civilians on October 7, and joined the call for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages still being held.”

“We will continue to condemn the indiscriminate use of force by Israel in Gaza and implore them to show restraint for the sake of saving the lives of innocent Palestinian civilians. The grave humanitarian disaster demands an immediate ceasefire,” emphasised the minister who noted that Seychelles firmly supports the two-state solution as the only viable path towards achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.

Speaking on the climate crisis faced by Seychelles and the world, Minister Radegonde said 2024 promises to be a crucial year where we build on the momentum of COP28 and begin implementing the commitments agreed under the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) stewardship. It will take all of our joint efforts to: make economy-wide cuts to emissions, phase out fossil fuels, scale up renewable energy transition, grow and operationalise the loss and damage fund, meet our climate adaptation targets, combat pollution, protect our ecosystems, and much more, he added.    

Another point raised was external debt sustainability, which he said remains a huge inhibitor to the country’s development but despite being a leader in areas of innovative financing instruments, conservation, and advocacy, Seychelles’ efforts are in vain if the developed countries and largest emitters do not meet their obligations and advocate in equal measure for concessional debt restructuring.

“Our achievements speak for themselves – we have a proven track record in many crucial areas: good governance, accountability and stability. Attributes that enable us to be an effective and reliable international partner. We hope that our development partners remain cognisant of our merits and reciprocate our policy of goodwill and understanding,” said the minister.

For her part, the dean of the diplomatic corps, Ambassador of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Francesca Alexandra Azais, said they have taken note of the vibrant activities in the country and abroad and the progress highlighted by the international rating in many sectors. She noted that despite the disasters of December 7, the country is doing well economically. She commended the country’s respect to human rights, its foreign policy inspired by mutual respect and its neutrality towards all friendly nations displayed through political maturity and moral values.

“Political stability and a fair dialogue with the opposition is also determinant factor to attract investors and promote the Seychelles as a safe destination. All the countries in the world have to face difficult challenges and the small island in the Indian Ocean are even more fragile, but we know how resilient the Seychellois are,” said Mrs Azais who thanked the ministry for its outstanding support to facilitate diplomatic and consular corps projects and to encourage friendship and cooperation for the well-being of the Seychelles people.

The event ended with a cocktail and light entertainment throughout the evening.  

Patrick   Joubert (text and photos)