The International Affairs Committee (IAC) met with the EU delegation of whom have been in the country meeting with different entities, for the 9th Political Dialogue. The meeting took place at the National Assembly on Wednesday 05th October, 2022 in the late afternoon. The meeting was requested by the delegation amongst the series of dialogues held already with MDAs on the various EU-Seychelles cooperation dating back to 45 years. It created the opportunity for the IAC to better understand the partnership's progress and the issues of concern of both parties with regards to finding the possible solutions moving forward.
The EU non-resident Ambassador to Seychelles, H.E. Mr Vincent Degert as head of the delegation was accompanied by H.E. Mrs Olivia Christmann, Resident French Ambassador to the Seychelles, H.E. Mrs Monica Cecelia Sitaru, Ambassador of Romania and the High Commissioner of Cyprus, H.E. Mr Andreas Nikolaides. Hon. Waven William started the meeting with introductions of participants and gave the floor to H.E. Degert to brief the committee on the status of the various bilateral cooperation and activities. The following were the main areas of discussion, which included the socio-economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and international economic recovery; the Russian aggression of Ukraine; Agriculture and food security; Governance, rule of law and human rights; Environment, Climate change and the blue economy; Peace and stability and; Cooperation in the international fora.
The other Members of the IAC present had questions covering EU aid on subjects such as Maritime security, renewable energy capacity, digitization, Seychelles’ vulnerability index, funding opportunities for the Governance sector and the Seychelles’ grey status on the OECD non-cooperative jurisdictions list. The EU delegation were forthcoming in their answers regardless of whether they were of a positive or negative nature which demonstrated to the IAC the willingness and good intentions of the EU towards the country’s sustainable development. As it has been doing for the aforementioned sectors, the EU affirmed the continuation of their support, both financial and technical further informing the Members of the Indian Ocean Commission’s role as an avenue for aid.
The vulnerability of the country’s EEZ was elaborated upon as it is an issue of pertinence where the EU has injected many resources, such as the EUNAVFOR operations geared towards maritime security of the Indian Ocean region as a whole. With the emerging threats of trafficking in arms, narcotics and illegal fishing, strengthening the operations is opportune and timely. Another topic elaborated on was the impact of the Russia Ukraine war on the Euro exchange rate and how this could possibly affect Seychelles and its tourism industry. Fortunately, due to the increase of tourism largely due to a successful vaccination program campaign, it is anticipated that the country will continue to perform well if the geopolitical crisis does not escalate beyond control.
Hon. William, on behalf of the IAC expressed his gratitude to the delegation and his wishes that annually or whenever the EU delegation is in the country on working visits to also meet with the IAC when possible. Hon William also congratulated the delegation and expressed the National Assembly's gratitude on behalf of the people of Seychelles for what the country has benefitted from the EU-Seychelles joint partnership over the years. Also present at the meeting were the EU Technical Team, and Members of the IAC namely, Hon Wavel Woodcock as Vice-Chairperson, Hon. Egbert Aglae, Hon Kelly Samynadin, Hon Philip Monthy, Hon Philip Arissol and the Deputy Clerk, Alexandria Faure.
