Canadian HC calls on Foreign Affairs PS |20 March 2023

Seychelles and Canada are set to exploit bilateral opportunities through ‘Operation Cutlass’, an exercise aimed at improving regional cooperation, Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), information sharing between Maritime Operation Centres (MOCs), the responsiveness of maritime assets, use of the rule of law and counter-proliferation interdiction capabilities in order to disrupt illicit trafficking and counter-piracy.

This was the focus of discussions between the principal secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Vivienne Fock Tave and the non-resident high commissioner of Canada to the Seychelles Kyle Michael Nunas.

Their meeting at the department of Foreign Affairs, Maison Quéau de Quinssy on Monday March 13 took place on the eve of Mr Nunas’ accreditation.

Seychelles and Canada established diplomatic relations in June 1976 and have shared cordial relations throughout the years.

“Although bilateral cooperations are small between the two nations, Canada has always been a reliable partner in multilateral for a,” explained Ambassador Fock Tave, who went on to propose cooperation in the Entrepreneurship sector through workshops and trainings that Canadian entities may organise in collaboration with the Enterprise Seychelles Agency (Esa).

The proposal was welcomed by the high commissioner.

Ambassador Fock Tave addressed the matter of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) Report, which is scheduled for submission in June to the United Nations. “When the time comes, we would appreciate your support to help us advocate for the adoption of the MVI. As a small island developing state, Seychelles is asking for it to be able to access concessionary financing,” declared PS Fock Tave.

Recognizing that “the current system was implemented before the current states”, the high commissioner agreed to explore the report in order to support Seychelles in its advocacy.

The meeting also discussed regional and International current affairs, ranging from the war in Ukraine, the membership of the African Union at the G20, UNSC reform and its expansion to African countries’ memberships among others.

Press release from the department of Foreign Affairs