US ambassador pays courtesy call on Minister Sylvestre Radegonde   |29 February 2024

Members of the two delegations in a souvenir photograph after the meeting

The enhancement of maritime surveillance to combat illicit maritime activities and the  resurgence of piracy in the Western Indian Ocean, as well as Exercise CUTLASS EXPRESS  2024 currently being held this week in Seychelles, were the main topics of discussion between  the American ambassador to Seychelles, Henry  Jardine, Seychelles’ Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde, and a staff  delegation from the USA Congress on Monday, February 26, 2024 at Maison Quéau de Quinssy.

The US delegation and the Seychelles minister also exchanged views on the need for burden sharing in the region with regard to anti-piracy and anti-arms and drug trafficking operations since safeguarding maritime security is important to foster regional and international trade and commerce.

Minister Radegonde pointed out that regional cooperation to combat unlawful maritime activities would be one of Seychelles’ priorities when taking the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Commission in May this year.

Other points touched upon included the support of the United States following the December 7 disaster last year.

Contributed