In a formal ceremony held at State House this morning, His Excellency Mr. Syed Zahid Raza officially presented his letters of credence to President Wavel Ramkalawan, marking his accreditation as the new High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Republic of Seychelles.

President Ramkalawan extended a cordial welcome to High Commissioner Raza and congratulated him on his appointment. The President underscored the importance of identifying innovative avenues to deepen and diversify the bilateral cooperation between Seychelles and Pakistan.

In response, High Commissioner Raza expressed his deep honour at receiving the appointment and echoed the President’s aspirations for strengthening diplomatic and developmental ties. He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing bilateral relations throughout his tenure.

The meeting between the two leaders centred on a range of strategic sectors poised for collaboration, including maritime security, trade and investment, medical partnerships, education, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. These areas were acknowledged as holding considerable promise for mutual benefit and enhanced cooperation.

His Excellency Mr. Syed Zahid Raza is the fifteenth High Commissioner of Pakistan to be accredited to Seychelles, succeeding His Excellency Mr. Muhammad Arshad Jan, who presented his credentials in October 2022. The new High Commissioner will be based in Mauritius.

Also in attendance at the accreditation ceremony were officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, including the Minister, Hon. Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde; Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mrs. Vivienne Fock-Tave; Director General for the Bilateral Affairs Division, Ms. Lindy Ernesta; Director of Bilateral Affairs Division, Ms. Wendy Isnard; and Second Secretary for Bilateral Affairs, Mr. Jonathan Pool.