The Ambassador of the Republic of Finland, H.E Mr Pirkka Tapiola, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr Sylvestre Radegonde, on Monday 4th April 2022.
Seychelles and Finland have shared excellent bilateral relations, as well as aligning on similar concerns on international platforms. Ambassador Tapiola expressed his Government’s appreciation for the support extended to Finnish candidature to the UN Human Rights Council for the period 2022-2024 at elections held in October 2021. Additionally, as Finland is also part of the European Union, the diplomats discussed the extended mandate of the EUNAVFOR Operation Atalanta in the Indian Ocean.
The Ambassador also expressed the wish of the Finnish government to appoint a new Honorary Consul to be based in Seychelles.
Current world affairs, such as the Ukraine-Russia conflict, were among the topics addressed and noted that countries are already feeling the consequences of this conflict.
Minister Radegonde requested Finland’s support to advocate on the development of a Vulnerability Index for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), such as Seychelles.
Regarding economic development, Minister Radegonde briefly explained the government’s implementation plan to reopen its borders in March 2021 and hence resuming tourism operations. He also explained that diversifying the economy is part of the governments’ agenda.
Also present at the meeting were Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Vivianne Fock Tave, Director General for Bilateral Affairs, Ms Lindy Ernesta, Director General for Multilateral Affairs, Ms Amanda Padayachy and Second Secretary, Ms Zenab Kante.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism - Foreign Affairs Department, Republic of Seychelles.
