The Russian Federation has extended humanitarian support to Seychelles in light of ongoing conflict affecting the Middle East, recognising the vulnerability of small island developing states to external shocks. The help includes approximately five tonnes of essential commodities such as vegetable oil, sugar, canned meat, pasta, pharmaceuticals, and fertilisers intended to support national preparedness and resilience.
Russian Ambassador to Seychelles Artem Kozhin presented the consignment to Minister for Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment, Pierre Laporte, in a short handover ceremony yesterday morning at the Seychelles Trading Company (STC) headquarters. Ambassador Kozhin highlighted the long‑standing relationship between the two countries, describing the Russia‑Seychelles partnership as one that has endured for decades, and added that this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
“Seychelles has seen growing cooperation across multiple sectors, including economic and cultural exchanges, and is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Russian tourists,” said Ambassador Kozhin.
The ambassador acknowledged the challenges faced by Seychelles as a small island developing state, particularly in maintaining stable supply chains amid ongoing global tensions, including the conflict in the Middle East. In response, he said the Russian government had decided to support the country’s sustainable development through the provision of basic commodities such as vegetable oil, sugar, rice, and pasta.
In addition, he stated that Russia has extended technical help to the Seychelles Defence Forces, including medical kits and surveillance equipment, to help strengthen the country’s capacity to address security concerns, particularly in monitoring its vast maritime territory and preventing illegal activities. He further expressed hope that additional consignments of humanitarian aid would be delivered in the future.
On defence‑related support, Ambassador Kozhin clarified that medical kits had already been delivered to the Seychelles Defence Forces, while additional medical equipment and pharmaceuticals are being coordinated with the Ministry of Health. Regulatory and certification requirements are being taken into account to ensure compliance in both countries, and he expressed hope that further medical supplies will soon be delivered to local hospitals.
Minister Laporte described the initiative as a significant moment in the enduring friendship between Seychelles and the Russian Federation. He expressed that the relationship between Seychelles and Russia reflects genuine goodwill and long‑standing cooperation built on mutual respect and constructive engagement.
“This consignment comprising essential goods such as vegetable oil, sugar, canned meat, pasta, beans, fertilisers, and pharmaceuticals will make a meaningful contribution to the well‑being of the people of Seychelles at a time when global and regional uncertainties continue to present significant challenges and when acts of solidarity carry even greater significance,” he stated.
Minister Laporte noted that Seychelles remains committed to nurturing and deepening its bilateral ties with the Russian Federation across all areas of mutual interest, and looks forward to continued engagement as they navigate both emerging opportunities and common challenges.
