Ambassador hosts reception to mark Russia’s National Day |14 June 2019

On the occasion of the National Day of Russia, His Excellency Vladimir Belous, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Seychelles and his wife, hosted a celebratory reception at Savoy Seychelles Resort and Spa on Wednesday June 12.

Vice-President Vincent Meriton joined dignitaries, high ranking officials and members of the Russian community in Seychelles for the grand event, celebrated annually to mark the declaration of state sovereignty on June 12, 1990.

Addressing the guests present, Ambassador Belous made reference to the numerous economic and social achievements of the Russian Federation over recent years and the bilateral relationship between the Republic of Seychelles and Russian Federation.

“In recent years the Russian economy has been showing steady progress. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew in 2018 by 2.3 percent with major drivers being financial, hospitality and construction sectors. By June 2019, our international reserves exceeded USD 500 billion,” he said.

“Multiple national projects are being implemented in various spheres aimed at accelerated economic growth. Some good examples of infrastructure development; the 19 kilometre long automobile and railway bridge, between mainland Russia and Crimean Peninsula – which will be commissioned in full in a few months; over 60 airports across the country will be upgraded and expanded and due to currently ongoing improvements, by 2025, the throughout capacity of the Baikal-Amur Mainline, which is 4,287 kilometres long, and the world ‘s longest Trans-Siberia Railway, which stretches for 9,300 kilometres, will grow 1.5 times, reaching 210 million tonnes,” Ambassador Belous stated.

Speaking of the mutually beneficial cooperation between Seychelles and Russia, Ambassador Belous highlighted the “highly successful cooperation in fields such as countering piracy and trans-border criminal activities” with the participation and support of the Russian Navy.

Ambassador Belous proceeded to vow that Russia will keep ensuring that the voice of Seychelles and other small island developing states (Sids) are heard on the international arena.

Noting the recent intensification of bilateral exchanges between Seychelles and Russia, Ambassador Belous made reference to an annual international meeting of high-ranked officials responsible for security matters to be held this month in the city of Ufa and the Second international forum ‘Developing of Parliamentarism’ and the ‘Russia-Africa’ Parliamentary Conference to be held in July, both of which will be attended by a delegation from Seychelles.

He concluded his address by expressing his gratitude to all compatriots whose devoted work in Seychelles contributes towards the local economy, the creation of jobs and the enhancement of Seychellois specialists’ skills, which serve to reinforce the two countries’ ties.

Ambassador Belous proposed a toast to the health of His Excellency President Danny Faure and to the wellbeing and continued progress of the Seychellois people.

Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate Change Wallace Cosgrow also addressed all invitees and commended the Russian Federation on the auspicious occasion and the vital contributions made by the Federation in securing, reinforcing and protecting universal peace principles.

“The internal triumphs of this global leader are deeply interlinked into the fabric of our international community, adding greater value to shared visions and common ambitions…Over the years we have witnessed achievements and we continue to appreciate the efforts and determination of the Russian Federation both as an independent state and under the aegis of the United Nations to advance different causes and objectives that call for global unified engagements, mutual commitments to peaceful alternatives and international security,” Minister Cosgrow stated.

Minister Cosgrow also applauded the noteworthy leadership, personal investment and dedication of Ambassador Belous and the team at the embassy of the Russian Federation to further cement the excellent ties of friendship that our countries have relished over the four decades.

The official part of the ceremony ended with a toast to His Excellency President Vladimir Putin and to the wealth, success and prosperity of members of the Russian community both in Seychelles and in the Russian Federation.

Invitees and guests were then treated to a Russian feast while vodka flowed from the bar in true Russian style! Spasiba!