Seychelles Ambassador Racombo Presents Credentials to Prince Albert II of Monaco
VICTORIA, Seychelles, The Seychelles Ambassador in Brussels, Racombo, presented his credentials to His Serene Highness Albert II, Prince of Monaco at the Prince’s Palace on February 12, 2024. Discussions between Ambassador Racombo and Prince Albert II focused mainly on the blue economy, especially the progress that Seychelles has undertaken to develop the sector, and also the prince’s visit to Seychelles in October 2022 which coincided with the Monaco Blue Initiative expedition. The meeting marked an important step in strengthening diplomatic ties between the two small island states.
Prince Albert II commended Seychelles’ active involvement in the Monaco Blue Initiatives and reflected on the 2024 edition which will be held in March. The ambassador provided an update on the Seychelles Marine Special Planning process and the fact that Seychelles managed to designate 30 percent of its exclusive economic zone as marine protected areas. Both sides reiterated the need to strengthen ocean governance and to share expertise on the sustainable use of marine resources.
Also discussed during the meeting was the economic situation of both countries and efforts being made to overcome existing challenges, especially those resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic that have affected the countries’ economies. Prince Albert II expressed his compliments to the president and the people of Seychelles and commended the Seychelles government on their prestigious work towards protecting the Seychelles environment. The prince noted that small states like Seychelles and Monaco share a common commitment to environmental stewardship.
Ambassador Racombo seized the opportunity to reiterate the wish of the Seychelles government to further deepen the longstanding cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest as discussed during their meeting. Areas identified for further collaboration include marine conservation, climate change adaptation, and cultural exchange. The ambassador also invited Prince Albert II to consider a return visit to Seychelles in the near future.
The presentation of credentials is a standard diplomatic procedure that marks the formal recognition of an ambassador by the host country. It also provides an opportunity for both sides to discuss matters of bilateral interest and to set the tone for the ambassador’s term of service. The foreign affairs department has welcomed the meeting as a positive step in strengthening the relationship between Seychelles and Monaco, two small island states that share a commitment to ocean conservation.
