On Friday 12th June 2026, the International Affairs Committee (IAC) led by Chairperson Hon. Egbert Aglae, met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora Ambassador Barry Faure, to discuss various matters relating to the ongoing work of the IAC. The Minister was accompanied by a delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, comprising of the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Ambassador Ian Madeleine, the Chief of Protocol within the Protocol and Public Diplomacy Unit Ambassador Terry Romain, Second Secretary in the Legal Unit Ms. Serah Bonté, Third Secretary within the Protocol and Public Diplomacy Unit Ms. Jasmine Talma, and Executive Director of the Minister’s Secretariat Ms. Beryl Pillay. Hon. Aglae was accompanied by the Vice-Chairperson Hon. Trevor Louise, Hon. Johan Loze, Hon. Denise Clarisse, and Hon. Andy Labonte. The Committee was assisted by Committee Clerk Ms.Samia Lebon and Assistant Committee Clerk Mr Rashid Valmont.
As the inaugural meeting with the Minister, the meeting began with introductions of the Members and supporting Parliamentary Staff forming part of the IAC. Hon. Aglae explained that the meeting forms part of the Committee’s bi-annual engagement with the Ministry, with a focus on ongoing work and areas of collaboration between both parties. The Minister took the opportunity to introduce the members of his delegation, noting the importance of establishing familiarity between the Committee and the Ministry officials who will continue to engage with the National Assembly on future matters. He further expressed his commitment to maintaining the strong working relationship that has been established between the Ministry and the Committee and reaffirmed his full support for the important work being undertaken by the IAC.
Discussions during the meeting touched on a previously signed Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry and the National Assembly, following which the Chairperson provided an overview of the Committee’s Terms of Reference. The meeting also encompassed matters relating to treaties signed by Seychelles, and methods of better facilitating the availability of such information to the National Assembly moving forward. Further discussions focused on various areas in which the National Assembly can strengthen its oversight role, with the Minister and his team acknowledging the importance of continued collaboration. The meeting concluded with both parties identifying areas for improvement and reaffirming their commitment to enhancing cooperation.
