On the afternoon of Tuesday 24th June 2025, the Ambassador of Finland to the Republic of Seychelles H.E. Mr. Pirkka Tapiola paid a Farewell Call on the Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Roger Mancienne. The Speaker was accompanied by the Deputy Speaker Hon. Gervais Henrie, and Hon. Deputy Clerk Ms. Alexandria Faure.
H.E. Mr. Tapiola began by thanking the Hon. Speaker for the opportunity to meet one final time in his capacity as Ambassador, stating that the past 3 and a half years of accreditation to Seychelles have been overwhelmingly positive. The Ambassador highlighted that although his new post would bring him into West Africa, his ties to East Africa and to Seychelles would remain strong and steadfast. Discussions then turned to the upcoming elections, with Hon. Mancienne remarking that this year was quite significant and would pose an exciting challenge following the previous transfer of power in the 2020 elections.
It was underlined that change in Seychelles has been gradual and steady, with the Hon. Speaker expressing gratitude for the stabilisation of democratic processes and the continuous upholding of human rights and freedoms. Seychelles continues to be a shining example of transparency and good governance within the African continent, with an emphasis on peaceful democracy and adherence to the rule of law.
Ambassador Tapiola then spoke on Seychelles in the global context, observing that its management of geopolitical alliances has been positive, with a keen navigation of various international conflicts. Despite the perceived fragility of tourism as a sector, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic and recent global political instability, the Ambassador emphasised that the distinct levels of respect and support for Seychelles was apparent. Hon. Mancienne echoed this sentiment, noting that Seychelles was prepared to deal with such sensitivities in the protection of the tourism sector.
The Hon. Speaker then thanked H.E. Mr. Tapiola for his concluding visit to Parliament, and wished him well in his future ventures. The meeting was then closed with a souvenir photograph.
