Yesterday evening at the Avani+ Resort Barbaron, the President of the Republic, Dr Patrick Herminie, attended the annual Diplomatic Cocktail held under the theme “50 Years of Vision and Voice: Seychelles’ Journey with the Global Community Toward Shared Security and Sustainable Development.”
The yearly event is a longstanding tradition that honours members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps accredited to Seychelles, as well as representatives of resident international organisations, in recognition of their steadfast commitment and valuable support to Seychelles and its people.
In his address, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr Barry Faure, emphasised the close link between national development and international engagement. He noted that for a small, open island economy, diplomacy remains an essential instrument for managing risk and creating opportunity. He further highlighted that the Ministry’s expanded mandate now formally includes the Seychellois diaspora, recognising citizens abroad as key partners in investment, culture, and people-to-people diplomacy, and reaffirmed that strengthening these ties is a priority for Seychelles’ global presence.
Minister Faure also commended Ambassadors who recently completed their mandates and extended best wishes for their future endeavours. He congratulated the newly appointed Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, His Excellency Mr Artem Kozhin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation, and expressed appreciation for the professionalism and dedication of the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora. He further acknowledged the foundation laid by his predecessor, Ambassador Sylvestre Radegonde, thanking him for his leadership and service.
On his part, the new Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, His Excellency Mr Artem Kozhin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation, thanked the Minister and his predecessor, Her Excellency Ms Alexandra Azais, for their friendship and efforts in strengthening and consolidating the Diplomatic Corps.
He noted that Seychelles will celebrate its 50th anniversary of Independence in June this year, describing the country as resilient and forward-looking amid a constantly changing global environment. Ambassador Kozhin emphasised that Seychelles possesses valuable expertise to share with the international community, particularly as a longstanding global champion of the Blue Economy. He further highlighted the country’s extensive experience in areas ranging from combating piracy to developing a strong tourism industry. In this regard, he conveyed best wishes to Seychelles in its leadership roles, including chairing the Contact Group on Illicit Maritime Activities and its participation in the UN Tourism Executive Council.
Also in attendance were the First Lady, Mrs Véronique Herminie; the Principal Minister, Mr Wallace Cosgrow; the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Azarel Ernesta; the Chief Justice, Mr Ronny Govinden; the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Anthony Fernando; Ministers; Members of the National Assembly; Ambassadors and High Commissioners; senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora; and other distinguished guests.