Annual diplomatic cocktail Seychelles thankful to international partners |10 February 2018

“Seychelles is thankful for the support of our many international partners. You have been part of our journey towards national development. During tough times, we have counted on you and you have delivered.”

This was the declaration made by Vincent Meriton, Vice-President of the Republic of Seychelles, when addressing guests at this year’s annual diplomatic cocktail held at Traders Vics Restaurant of the H Resort Hotel, Beau Vallon yesterday evening.

He was also hosting the event in his capacity as the minister now in charge of the department of Foreign Affairs.

Mr Meriton was speaking in the presence of members of the diplomatic corps and of the National Assembly, government ministers and other dignitaries. A toast between Seychelles, especially for President Danny Faure and the country’s international partners, was raised for the occasion.

Mr Meriton added Seychelles cannot afford the luxury of isolation and we are already isolated from the rest of the world by a vast ocean.

“It is an opportunity to once again affirm our belief in the principles of international engagement and cooperation,” he said, while remarking modern day Seychelles is far from being perfect.

“We have our fair share of challenges but we have chosen what is best for Seychelles, a path of national unity, a path of collaboration, a path of cohabitation as is evident in the present political and governance landscape,” he said.

He said that though globalisation has impacted both our culture and society, we have never been tempted by nationalist or ideological sentiments.

He highlighted the fact that we might not possess the global influence or power of the bigger nations, but our size allows us to appreciate the fact that we are part of a much bigger system that is inextricably interdependent and inter connected.

Mr Meriton also said the country’s foreign policy this year is a continuation of the active engagement that has been at the core of our recent international relations.

“We remain committed to the goals of regional integration as a vehicle for peace and security and as a means of strengthening resilience and broadening opportunities,” he said.

And beyond our region, he remarked that Seychelles continues to remain active partners in the Commonwealth, La Francophonie, the European Union; the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of sates (ACP) and the United Nations, which all provide Seychelles with a platform that gives our small island nation a voice on the international arena.

On the foreign diplomatic activities conducted by Seychelles recently, Mr Meriton mentioned the opening of Seychelles’ embassy in Havana, Cuba and the country will mark 20 years since it established diplomatic relations with Cuba; 2017 seeing President Faure’s first visits abroad since he took office -- with working visits to Sri Lanka and state visits to Kenya, Cuba and Mauritius.

He also spoke of major conferences which will either be held here or abroad this year.

“As a small island nation we will continue to look to you for your cooperation in matters that will bring not only ours, but all of our nations forward. In return you can count on our reliability, credibility and willingness to be a real partner and friend,” said the vice-president.

On behalf of all diplomats present, Vladimir Belous, the Russian ambassador to Seychelles and also dean of the diplomatic corps, said it is the first time in Seychelles’ history that the leaders across the political divide shook hands on their country’s independence day celebrations on the June 29 even though peace and reconciliation is not an easy task.

“Under the leadership of President Danny Faure, the government has been putting a lot of efforts in making the performance of the state more transparent and efficient in every aspect,” he said, adding the people of Seychelles have not been mere bystanders but direct participants in the political processes.

As for the diplomatic corps, their resolution is to continue ensuring that their countries’ relations with this beautiful nation, as he described it, grow from strength to strength for the mutual benefits of their peoples.