People’s Majlis of Maldives visit Seychelles parliament |03 July 2025

The two delegations in a souvenir photograph

People’s Majlis of Maldives visit Seychelles parliament

A delegation of the People’s Majlis of Maldives led by deputy Speaker Hon. Ahmed Nazim yesterday paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Roger Mancienne.

The delegation comprised Minority Leader Hon. Ibrahim Nazil, Hons. Hussain Riza Adam, Hassan Zareer, Hon. Husnee Mubarik, and Foreign Relations Officer Mariyam Waheed. Speaker Mancienne was accompanied by deputy Speaker Hon. Gervais Henrie, Hon. Clerk Tania Isaac, and Hon. deputy Clerk Alexandria Faure.

The meeting began with introductions and warm welcomes, with the Maldivian delegation expressing their appreciation for the opportunity to visit Seychelles and its legislature. Hon. Nazim gave a brief overview of the intentions and purposes of the benchmarking visit, stating that the aim was to observe and learn from the ways in which Seychelles’ legislative and judicial systems function. Despite having many similarities, the delegation expressed that differences in the way key institutions function and how resources are managed could provide insights and solutions to potential issues.

Hon. Mancienne responded in kind, conveying that such opportunities for parliamentary benchmarking lead to more robust decision-making and best practices in legislation. The programme for the visit includes meetings with fundamental Committees of the Assembly, notably the Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC), the International Affairs Committee (IAC), and the Defence and Security Committee (DSC).

Hon. Mancienne emphasised that despite issues such as a shortage in administrative support and resources, committees fulfil their functions and extend their reach through outreach and educational activities.

Deputy Speaker Hon. Henrie shared that through discussions upon the arrival of the delegation, many national and socio-political challenges were identified as common ground between Maldives and Seychelles, forming the basis for meetings with key stakeholders. With more discussions, the sharing of information and technical expertise could serve as a bridge between the two nations, further bolstering national and parliamentary relations.

Speaker Mancienne then thanked the delegation for their visit, wishing them a fruitful week ahead in their meetings and interactive sessions.

The meeting ended with the exchange of tokens of appreciation, and a souvenir photograph.

The delegation was then invited to observe a Sitting of the Assembly.

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