Outgoing Swedish Ambassador Vicini Bids Farewell to President Ramkalawan

VICTORIA, Seychelles — Strengthening of bilateral relations, the upcoming election, press freedom, human rights issues and the state of world affairs were some of the topics discussed between the outgoing Swedish ambassador to Seychelles, Caroline Vicini, and President Wavel Ramkalawan at State House yesterday morning. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, Mrs Vicini was at the high office to bid farewell to President Ramkalawan after four years of tenure.

Also present during the discussion were the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde; the principal secretary for foreign affairs, Ambassador Vivianne Fock Tave; and Seychelles’ honorary consul for Sweden, Chrystold Chetty. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Ambassador Vicini said a wide range of issues were discussed including bilateral relations between Sweden and Seychelles, as well as the state of world affairs, specifically the challenges faced by the United Nations, where reforms are needed to keep it functioning, given the United States is reducing its financial contributions.

‘We also touched on the upcoming election. We also talked about freedom of the press and other human rights issues,’ she added. According to Ambassador Vicini, Sweden has always found ways to cooperate with Seychelles, particularly in the areas of climate change and the environment, where both countries share the same ambition. Sweden has for some time been seeking ways to support the reconstruction of Port Victoria and hopes to sign a memorandum of understanding to assist in making the port more sustainable upon its completion, she shared. Sweden plays a vital role in efforts to improve maritime security in the Indian Ocean, especially in countering piracy and other illicit activities, through its participation in EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA.