On Tuesday 16th October 2024, the International Affairs Committee led by Vice-Chairperson Hon. Wavel Woodcock, met with a delegation of the European Union (EU). Leading the delegation was the Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Seychelles H.E. Mr. Oskar Benedikt. Assistance was provided by Assistant Committee Secretary Mr. Darel Atala. The delegation was comprised of Ambassadors and representatives of various EU States, namely France, Poland, Czech Republic, Finland and Sweden.
Honourable Woodcock opened the meeting by providing a brief overview of the various topics of discussion held between the IAC and the EU previously, noting the appreciation of the Committee for all the support received thus far. It was also noted that the ratifications of different bilateral and multilateral agreements with the EU have provided a great deal of benefit to the Seychelles.
The Fisheries Agreement was emphasised as one treaty that Seychelles has greatly benefited from. The status of Seychelles as a ‘High Income Country’ against the recent rankings of the Vulnerability Index was also discussed, with Hon. Woodcock remarking that such indicators affect the level of financial cooperation that is feasible between the EU and Seychelles. Ambassador Benedikt acknowledged this constraint, noting that the levels of cooperation are currently being discussed to ensure that Seychelles is maintained as a highly valuable partner of the EU.
A brief discussion of the Extradition Agreement between the Government of the French Republic and the Government of the Republic of Seychelles was also noted, with the Ambassador of the French Republic H.E. Mrs. Olivia Berkeley-Christmann providing insights on the agreement. H.E. Mr. Benedikt then discussed the support extended by the EU to Seychelles, to address various challenges such as the declining tourism due to ongoing global conflicts, the issues of marine security and piracy, drug trafficking, and climate change mitigation efforts. A newly signed program, namely the European Solidarity Action for Seychelles, was also introduced as a means of assisting with areas of mutual cooperation such as environmental protection and climate change, waste management, renewables energies, amongst others.
Hon. Woodcock thanked the delegation for the insightful meeting and reaffirmed the support of the International Affairs Committee in maintaining the positive relationship with the EU and its representatives. The meeting then came to a close with a souvenir photograph.
