Mr Sebastien Pillay, Vice President of the Republic of Seychelles, leads the Seychelles’ delegation at the 7th African Union- European Union Summit held from 24th to 25th November 2025, in Luanda, Angola
Mr. Sebastien Pillay, Vice President of the Republic of Seychelles, represented the President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr. Patrick Herminie, at the 7th African Union- European Union (AU-EU) Summit held in Luanda, Angola, from 24th to 25th November 2025. This marked the first overseas mission of Mr Sebastien Pillay as Vice-President.
Celebrating 25 years of the AU–EU cooperation, this year’s Summit was held under the theme: “Promoting Peace and Prosperity through Effective Multilateralism.” The Summit brought together Heads of State and Government of both Unions to advance a renewed commitment to peace, economic development, and shared opportunities between the two Continents.
During the first day of the Summit, Vice-President Pillay intervened under the thematic discussion on “Peace, Security and Multilateralism.” He underscored the importance of collective action and reaffirmed Seychelles’ commitment to regional and global cooperation in maintaining peace and stability.
Vice-President Pillay commended the European Union’s continued support in addressing maritime security concerns in the Western Indian Ocean, particularly in combating anti-money laundering, human trafficking, illicit drug smuggling, piracy threats, and illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing in Seychelles waters. He further emphasized the indispensable link between peace, stability, security, and sustainable development, noting that genuine development can only be achieved when a nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty are upheld.
On the second day of the Summit, discussions focused on Prosperity, People, Migration, and Mobility, highlighting the need to foster inclusive growth, youth opportunities, and equitable cooperation between Africa and Europe.
Vice-President Pillay held bilateral meetings with the Vice-Presidents of the European Union Parliament and the European Investment Bank (EIB), respectively. The exchanges explored topics related to the ongoing projects between the Seychelles and the European Union. Vice President Pillay emphasized the new Government’s commitment to accelerate progress on the Port Extension Project, after having faced delays over the past years due to factors outside Seychelles’ control. He stated that with the EU’s partnership, Seychelles is confident that any remaining administrative or bureaucratic challenges can be swiftly resolved. They also engaged on the status of negotiations between Seychelles and the European Union for a new Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement, and the need to determine a sustainable and mutually beneficial way forward for the Marie- Louise Facility.
Vice President Pillay met with Seychelloise Ambassador Marie Antoinette Rose Quatre, the Chief Executive Officer of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). They discussed the current status of Seychelles in implementing its national structures and how Seychelles can benefit from the APRM in various sectors.
Vice-President Pillay also had the opportunity to interact with several Heads of State and Government, including President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, President Emmanuel Macron of France, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro of Portugal, Prime Minister Dick Schoof of the Netherlands, Prime Minister Americo Ramos of Sao Tome and Principe and President Dharam Gokhool of Mauritius among others. These engagements reaffirmed the strong bilateral ties Seychelles continues to nurture across both Continents.
Vice-President Pillay was accompanied by Mr. Conrad Mederic, Permanent Representative of Seychelles to the African Union, Mrs. Patricia Ilunga, Second Secretary at the Embassy of Seychelles in Ethiopia, Ms. Vanessa Seth, African Union Desk Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Abdul Gani Mohamed, Honorary Consul of Seychelles in Angola.
