By mfa.gov.
Africa-Press – Seychelles. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, held his annual Diplomatic Cocktail under the theme “Bridging Oceans, Building Connections: Seychelles at the Heart of Global Dialogue” on Friday 7th February 2025. Present at the event were President Wavel Ramkalawan and First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, Vice President Ahmed Afif, Speaker of the Seychelles National Assembly, Mr. Roger Mancienne, Ministers, Diplomatic and Consular Corps, and other high-level dignitaries.
Addressing the guests, Minister Radegonde stated that “This evening is an occasion for us to thank you for the valued partnerships between our nations and to reaffirm our commitment to deepening our cooperation. We are so very privileged to be surrounded by friends and partners who have come to know Seychelles very well. In serving your own countries, you have become a valued part of our community and done so much. Through the support you have given to us in our times of need and through all the programmes and services you provide – you help to keep us connected with all corners of the world. On behalf of President Ramkalawan and the people of Seychelles, we are truly thankful. In a world facing increasing uncertainty, Seychelles will always be a frank and honest friend. Winds may change but where you find in us a willingness for dialogue and cooperation, you will also find a people resolutely committed to safeguarding our national interests.”
He pointed out that “We have only been able to get to where we are because we are uncompromising on matters that are critical to us. And guided by principles which we set for ourselves and reflect who we are as a people. We are a recognised global leader in ocean governance, having been the first country in Africa and fourth in the world to ratify the BBNJ Treaty. We pioneered the blue bonds and protected thirty percent of our territory ten years ahead of schedule. Our determination to pursue our interests and objectives on our own terms is how we deliver for our people and remain a reliant partner to all who wish to work with us. We are proud of our accomplishments. But we rue that safeguarding them is not solely in our control. We are helpless against the external factors that threaten our development: foreign conflicts, economic shocks, climate change.”
He also added that “We will continue to use our voice to drive meaningful conversations that contribute to solutions and push for action that protects vulnerable states. This is what we did for the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index which was finally adopted by the UN General Assembly last year and now call for its meaningful implementation. We will continue to advocate for climate justice. We know all too well that the world is not fair and we will play our small part in pursuing what is right. We will push for the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund to compensate those who have contributed little to climate change, yet suffer the most. Last year, we made our case before the International Court of Justice in its advisory opinion proceedings and we expect the Court to clarify the obligations of states with regard to climate action. This is mankind’s greatest challenge and we must all rise to meet it.”
Emphasising on multilateralism, the Seychelles Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism said “There is a rising tendency to stray from multilateralism but Seychelles will not. Its failures can only be attributed to short-sighted acts of self-interest and we should instead measure it by its successes. Not by the conflicts we fail to resolve but by the ones that never occur. It gives us the frameworks for development to reduce global poverty and sets the international norms and standards that govern our conduct. Multilateralism provides the fertile soil for cooperation to grow and the grass is greener where you water it. We will continue to water it. To continue with this analogy, it is our garden to tend to. When it falters, it is up to us – collectively – to diagnose and to reform it in accordance with new realities. We will uphold the principles of international law, territorial integrity and respect for human rights – for all people, everywhere.”
Minister Radegonde also underscored the importance of ensuring maritime security for the country and noted, “The protection of our vast maritime zone remains our biggest logistical challenge and we cannot overcome alone. Seychelles remains committed to protecting its waters as we assume chairmanship of the Contact Group on Illicit Maritime Activities later this month.”
Reflecting on his time as the Chairman of the Indian Ocean Commission, Minister Radegonde remarked that “Regionally, Seychelles has taken a leading role. As chair of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), we have championed resilience, solidarity, and sustainable development. From addressing maritime security to tackling climate change, our leadership has strengthened regional cooperation. As we hand over the chairmanship to the Union of Comoros, we do so with pride in the progress achieved.”
He also added that Seychelles’ active engagement in La Francophonie further highlights Seychelles’ commitment to cultural diplomacy and multilateralism, reinforcing the country’s place as a bridge between nations.
In her speech, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador Alexander Azais, spoke of the importance of diplomacy and remarked that, “We live in a time of global turmoil, with many nations suffering from devastating conflicts. War spares no one: it creates countless victims, and leaves behind a trail of devastation. I firmly believe that diplomacy remains our most powerful tool to build equitable, lasting peace. It is a privilege and a responsibility for all of us in this field to use our influence to achieve this noble cause.”
Ambassador Azais also expressed “If I could offer a gift to my fellow diplomats, it would be nothing less than the world itself—imperfect as it may be. And with that gift, I would impart a wish: that if any part of this world does not align with their vision of fairness, justice, or peace, they would embrace the courage and determination to transform it. Diplomacy is, after all, a vocation rooted in the belief that meaningful change is always possible, no matter how complex the challenge. This gift would symbolise not only our shared responsibility to create a better world but also the power we hold collectively to shape it—one negotiation, one resolution, one act of kindness at a time. Let us approach this responsibility with hope and unwavering commitment, striving to leave behind a world that future generations will cherish.”
Source: mfa.gov.
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