New ambassadors presented with instruments of appointment |23 June 2021

The two new ambassadors in a souvenir photograph with President Ramkalawan (Photo: Thomas Meriton)

President Wavel Ramkalawan yesterday morning officially appointed the former principal secretary for tourism, Anne Lafortune, and experienced diplomat Ian Madeleine as Seychelles’ new ambassadors.

The two ambassadors were presented with their instruments of appointment by President Ramkalawan at State House. This was in the presence of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde, and the secretary of state for Cabinet Affairs, Mohammed Afif.

The two ambassadors’ official appointment by the President follows the unanimous approval of their nominations by the National Assembly in its afternoon sitting of Wednesday June 16, 2021.

Both ambassadors said it was a privilege for them to have been chosen to serve their country in overseas missions and they will discharge their responsibilities in the best interest of the country based on its priorities.

They added that they got to discuss with President Ramkalawan various subjects in relation to their ambassadorial posts.

“We know our position will not be as easy. There will be negotiations that will take place and we will work in close contact with our ministry so that we can negotiate in the best interest of the country’s priorities. We will make use of all opportunities available to help Seychelles in its development,” Ambassador Lafortune said.

Ambassador Lafortune further added that apart from working to put our country’s interest at the forefront on the international scene, she will also work on common grounds with other small island states to push agendas forward.

“We, as small island states, have a lot in common but sometimes, as a small country, it gets difficult for us to push forward our agenda. If we all have a concern and we join together, as a group, our voice will be heard much better,” Ambassador Lafortune added.

Ambassador Madeleine said the discussion with the President had given them the knowledge and guidance of what is expected of them in their ambassadorial mission abroad.

He added that they have given the President their commitment to defend the interests of the country and the people of Seychelles while working overseas.

Patrick Joubert