Seychelles to reaffirm role as principled & trusted partner committed to inclusive sustainable development in next 50 years

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Barry Faure, held his annual Diplomatic Cocktail under the theme “50 Years of Vision and Voice: Seychelles’ Journey with the Global Community Toward Shared Security and Sustainable Development.”

The event was held on Friday at the Avani+ Barbarons Seychelles in the presence of  President Patrick Herminie, First Lady Veronique Herminie, Speaker of the National Assembly, Azarel Ernesta, Ministers, diplomatic and Consular Corps, and other high-level dignitaries.

In his address, Minister Faure said, “This evening is, above all, a gesture of our sincere appreciation. Through your presence and your tireless engagement, you have become more than just representatives of your nations; you are valued contributors to the Seychellois national journey.”

He pointed out that the theme reflects a remarkable evolution. Over five decades, Seychelles has moved from a newly independent state building its basic institutions to a confident, respected actor on the world stage.

“We have moved from simple participation to active contribution, and now, to shared responsibility. Today, our foreign policy is defined by agency. We do not just speak of our vulnerabilities; we propose solutions,” said the Minister.

He gave a list of areas in which Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, has made a global impact, notably the Blue Economy, environmental stewardship, multilateral leadership and maritime security.

“We celebrate these milestones at a time of immense global complexity. Prolonged conflicts and strategic rivalries are straining the international system,” he said.

Minister Faure said that for Seychelles, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is not an abstract concept; it is the practical foundation of trust and stability for smaller states.

“This is most evident in our waters. The resurgence of piracy since 2023 and instability in the Red Sea threaten the very lifelines of global trade. Maritime security requires a collective response, and Seychelles remains a committed partner in safeguarding these vital corridors. As we navigate this increasingly complex world, our compass shall remain set on the principle of non-alignment. This should not be equated as a withdrawal from international responsibility, but rather a conscious choice to exercise independent judgement, balanced engagement and constructive dialogue,” he emphasised.

Speaking on regional solidarity, Faure said, “In this same spirit, Seychelles places regional cooperation and multilateralism at the heart of its actions. Our commitment to the Indian Ocean Commission and the Francophonie is essential to strengthening our collective resilience.”

The Minister stated that “Seychelles’ chairmanship of the IOC marked a key milestone, raising the profile of our region and advancing concrete priorities for our people. None of this would be possible without the dedication of the diplomats and experts who translate words into measurable actions.”

He also said that looking ahead to the next 50 years, Seychelles would move forward with confidence and intent, reaffirming its role as a principled and trusted partner committed to inclusive and sustainable development.

In his first speech as the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador Artem Kozhin spoke of how Seychelles’ experiences could benefit the rest of the world.

“For example, this small island developing state has been, for a long time, the global champion in promoting Blue Economy. We need this expertise of yours. Besides, Seychelles has accumulated huge experience in various other fields, from fighting piracy to developing the tourism industry. In this regard, we all wish you success in chairing the Contact group on illicit maritime activities, as well as your tremendous performance in the UN Tourism Executive Council,” said the Ambassador.

He added, “This year in June, the Republic of Seychelles will celebrate its 50th birthday. It is a grown-up country, tempered by our constantly changing world. We can see it is ready for future endeavours. Vast horizons lie ahead, new goals are set, the most important of which are defined by President Patrick Herminie and enshrined in the manifesto.”

The Ambassador said, “Let us hope that the implementation of these momentous tasks will strengthen the well-known characteristics of Seychelles, such as being a responsible member of the African Union, a vibrant participant of the Non-Alignment Movement, a country that has deep respect for international law and the United Nations Charter, and that is a  friend to everyone and enemy to none.”