Seychelles Strengthens Bilateral Ties at 9th Indian Ocean Conference with Key Regional Partners
On the sidelines of the 9th Indian Ocean Conference, Seychelles’ Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr. Barry Faure, engaged in a series of significant bilateral meetings with counterparts from Mauritius, Tanzania, Nepal, Singapore, and Australia. These discussions aimed to assess and enhance bilateral relations while addressing critical issues such as energy security, economic resilience, and geopolitical dynamics.
Strengthening Ties with Mauritius
In a meeting with the Honourable Dhananjay Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of Mauritius, Minister Faure expressed gratitude for the hospitality shown during the recent State Visit of the President of Seychelles in March 2026. Both ministers reflected on the successful outcomes of that visit, which included the signing of seven agreements designed to bolster cooperation in key sectors and a joint declaration concerning the Joint Management Area (JMA) on Saya De Malha.
The discussions reaffirmed the enduring relationship between Seychelles and Mauritius, rooted in shared history and geographic proximity. The ministers emphasized the importance of further collaboration in maritime governance and broader regional cooperation, along with maintaining close coordination in international forums.
Enhancing Cooperation with Tanzania
During discussions with H.E. Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of Tanzania, the focus was on deepening bilateral cooperation and building upon existing engagements. Both sides welcomed recent advancements in air connectivity, particularly the upcoming direct flights by Air Tanzania. Despite delays in the inaugural flight, it is anticipated to positively impact trade, tourism, and interpersonal exchanges.
The dialogue also explored avenues for expanding trade and economic collaboration, recognizing the necessity of improving logistics and connectivity to facilitate increased exchanges. Continued cooperation in capacity building and institutional development was also a key topic of discussion.
Engagement with Nepal
In a meeting with H.E. Mr. Shisir Khanal, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal, Minister Faure congratulated his counterpart on his recent appointment following Nepal’s elections. This engagement served to reaffirm the cordial nature of bilateral relations, despite limited current interactions. Both ministers acknowledged the significance of labor mobility and the contributions of the Nepali community in Seychelles, highlighting the need to advance pending bilateral arrangements for more structured cooperation.
The ministers also exchanged insights on the global energy landscape and its socio-economic implications, further emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in this area.
Collaboration with Singapore
Minister Faure’s discussions with H.E. Mr. Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Social and Family Development of Singapore, reaffirmed the robust foundations of the Seychelles-Singapore partnership. Both nations share characteristics as small, open, and globally connected states, which enhances their collaborative potential.
The dialogue explored opportunities for expanding cooperation in capacity building, digital transformation, and governance. Seychelles expressed interest in leveraging Singapore’s expertise in artificial intelligence and public sector innovation, while both parties recognized the potential for enhanced connectivity and economic collaboration.
Opportunities with Australia
In a meeting with H.E. Ms. Kate Chamley, High Commissioner of Australia to Mauritius and Seychelles, discussions centered on maritime domain awareness, capacity building, and regional cooperation frameworks, including initiatives under the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). The two sides explored opportunities to improve connectivity, boost tourism flows, and strengthen institutional linkages.
These bilateral engagements at the 9th Indian Ocean Conference underscore Seychelles’ commitment to fostering strong relationships with regional partners. The discussions not only reflect the importance of adaptive responses to ongoing global uncertainties but also highlight the shared priorities of small island developing states in navigating the complexities of the current geopolitical landscape.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-04-13 11:50:00 • By the Editorial Desk
