On Tuesday 15th October 2024, a delegation of the European Union paid a Courtesy Call on the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Gervais Henrie. The delegation was led by the Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to the Republic of Seychelles H.E. Mr. Oskar Benedikt, who was accompanied by the Ambassadors to Seychelles of respective EU States namely Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, Finland, and the Netherlands. The Deputy Speaker was accompanied by the Clerk to the National Assembly Mrs. Tania Isaac, and Deputy Clerk Ms. Alexandria Faure.
Hon. Henrie welcomed the delegation, presenting the apologies of the Speaker for his absence due to the ongoing 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and thanking the Ambassadors for their continued and active collaboration with the National Assembly. H.E. Mr. Benedikt thanked the Deputy Speaker, reaffirming that Seychelles remains a valuable partner of the EU, emphasising the importance of shared values such as good governance, transparent democracies, and the rule of law. As a leader in biodiversity and maritime conservation, the delegation expressed that they were interested in meeting with essential stakeholders involved in renewable energy, coastal protection, and environmental preservation. Another area of mutual concern is that of security; Ambassador Benedikt discussed the existing issues experienced in the Indian Ocean region such as piracy, drug trafficking, and anti-social behaviour, and the ways in which the EU is supporting such combative efforts.
Hon. Henrie thanked the delegation for their contributions, remarking that the National Assembly is heavily engaged in the areas of cooperation through the Committees of the Assembly. It was also noted that the National Assembly is an active member of various parliamentary forums such as the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, SADC Parliamentary Forum, and the Francophonie, amongst others. This level of legislative cooperation forms the basis of many exchanges and developments in human capacity-building.
The Deputy Speaker called for increased people-to-people cooperation between the EU and Seychelles, particularly benchmarking exercises involving NGOs and higher education institutions. The sharing of expertise was noted as a two-way exercise, with Seychelles benefitting from internationally proven standards and the EU benefitting from the unique experiences of Seychelles as a Large Ocean State.
The fruitful meeting then came to a close with both delegations expressing their gratitude for the long-lasting relationship between the Seychelles and the EU.
