On the morning of Friday 26th April 2024, the newly accredited High Commissioner of Australia to the Republic of Seychelles H.E. Ms. Kate Chamley paid a Courtesy Call on the Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Roger Mancienne. The Speaker was accompanied by the Deputy Speaker Hon. Gervais Henrie, Clerk to the National Assembly Mrs. Tania Isaac, and Deputy Clerk Ms. Alexandria Faure. Accompanying the High Commissioner was the Senior Political and Public Diplomacy Officer Ms. Yasmina Hosanoo.
The High Commissioner thanked Speaker Mancienne, noting that it was a pleasure to be in Seychelles and begin her tenure in another democratic country whose values aligned so closely with those in Australia. H.E. Chamley remarked that it has so far been a highly educational visit, as she continues to learn about the unique challenges experienced by Seychelles. Issues of mutual interest such as climate change and maritime security already form part of her mission, with the special inclusion of the Blue Economy and its development within the Indian Ocean. Another point of discussion was the importance of the Seychelles diaspora in Australia, with H.E. Chamley emphasising the importance of nurturing and maintaining these connections between our two countries and facilitating the exchange of expertise and experience.
Hon. Mancienne responded in kind, expressing his appreciation for the long-standing relationship forged between Seychelles and Australia, noting that our mutual interests provide a useful stepping stone in strengthening such relations. The focus on the diaspora was also reciprocated, with Hon. Mancienne noting that there is a “thriving community of Seychellois in Australia, of which we must work with closely”. The Deputy Speaker Hon. Henrie remarked on his time studying in Australia, noting his admiration for ongoing projects to reconnect alumni from various higher learning institutions. The Clerk Mrs. Isaac recalled a parliamentary exchange between the National Assembly of Seychelles and the Parliament of Australia, noting how their expertise and information-sharing practices had greatly impacted the Assembly and led to notable developments. Such ventures would be welcomed once again, to further develop our relations on a parliamentary scale.
The Hon. Speaker thanked the High Commissioner for her visit, wished her well during her three-year term. As she is based in Mauritius, Hon. Mancienne urged the High Commissioner to visit Seychelles frequently in the pursuit of her diplomatic goals and endeavours. Hon. Mancienne then presented H.E. Chamley with a token of appreciation before the meeting concluded.
