French Ambassador Highlights Reinforced Partnership with Seychelles in Wide-Ranging Interview
VICTORIA, Seychelles — France’s Ambassador to Seychelles, Madam Olivia Berkeley-Christmann, has reaffirmed the strength and diversity of the bilateral partnership between France and Seychelles as her three-year mandate draws to a close. In an exclusive interview, the ambassador reflected on achievements in maritime security, regional challenges, bilateral cooperation and people-to-people ties.
On maritime security, Madam Berkeley-Christmann said that without hesitation, the success of more than a tonne of heroin seized by the Champlain patrol boat in March 2024 stands out. This operation demonstrated the effectiveness of their security collaboration and enabled President Wavel Ramkalawan to come aboard. She pointed to the growing regional architecture, including the IOC and cooperation with the French overseas territories of La Réunion and Mayotte, as key pillars of the partnership.
The ambassador also highlighted military internships, internal security training via the gendarmerie, including the deployment of the GIGN, as well as cooperation in document fraud prevention, child protection, judicial cooperation and extradition conventions. On the civil security front, France has trained firefighters in Praslin to protect the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is part of the future Indian Ocean Academy of regional cooperation. She noted the strong tradition of Francophonie in Seychelles, with the École Française and Alliance Française well established, and called on young people to take advantage of the scholarships and opportunities available. Ambassador Berkeley-Christmann will return to Paris to take up a position in central administration after her tenure in Seychelles.
