Seychelles and Norway Hold Talks on Maritime Security and Multidimensional Vulnerability Index
VICTORIA, Seychelles — Maritime security and the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index featured prominently during a courtesy call at Maison Quéau de Quinssy on Tuesday between Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Sylvestre Radegonde and the ambassador of Norway to Seychelles, Gunnar Andreas Holm.
On maritime security, Minister Radegonde commended Norway’s contribution through the EUNavfor Operation Atalanta and the Combined Maritime Force. He stressed the importance of regional cooperation to address piracy and other maritime security threats, a task Seychelles wishes to tackle as the new chair of the Contact Group on Illicit Maritime Activity (CGIMA). He also called on Norway’s support to advocate for the implementation of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index, following its adoption by the United Nations in August 2024, emphasising the need for smaller countries to make their voices heard in multilateral forums.
The two diplomats touched on the recent elections for the African Union Commission. Minister Radegonde also raised tourism, stating that the number of Norwegian visitors was increasing slightly every year. Both sides agreed to continue consultations through their respective missions and to identify concrete projects where Norwegian expertise — particularly in the blue economy and ocean governance — could complement Seychelles’ priorities under the National Development Strategy 2024-2028.
