COUNTRY: SEYCHELLES. 

Seychelles has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening diplomatic cooperation with Russia as President Patrick Herminie received the outgoing Russian Ambassador, Artyom Kozhin, for a farewell meeting marking the end of his six-and-a-half-year diplomatic mission in the island nation. The discussions highlighted the steady growth of bilateral relations, with both sides reflecting on the progress achieved across diplomacy, security, and institutional cooperation. The meeting also coincided with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Seychelles and Russia, a milestone that has been accompanied by increased high-level engagement, including President Herminie’s recent state visit to Russia and Moscow’s participation in Seychelles’ 50th Independence celebrations. Both leaders described the relationship as one built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to expanding cooperation in areas of common interest.

One of the key outcomes highlighted during the meeting was the planned opening of a Seychelles embassy in Moscow later this year, a move expected to strengthen diplomatic engagement and facilitate closer political, economic, and cultural ties between the two countries. Ambassador Kozhin noted that the groundwork for the mission had already been laid and briefed the President on several ongoing bilateral initiatives designed to deepen cooperation. Among the symbolic projects discussed was an initiative to send a message from President Herminie into space, while Seychelles’ national flag and Coat of Arms have also been placed in Earth’s orbit as part of activities commemorating the country’s Independence Jubilee. The ambassador said the items are expected to be returned and preserved in a national museum, reflecting the enduring friendship between the two nations.

President Herminie expressed appreciation for Ambassador Kozhin’s contribution to strengthening Seychelles-Russia relations and acknowledged Russia’s practical support in areas such as combating drug trafficking, including the donation of trained service dogs and cooperation that has assisted local authorities in intercepting illicit narcotics. Both leaders agreed that transnational crimes such as drug trafficking require stronger international collaboration and coordinated responses. As Ambassador Kozhin prepares to assume a new diplomatic assignment in Qatar, Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed Kirill G. Sokolov-Shcherbachev as the next ambassador to Seychelles, signaling continuity in the relationship. The transition comes as both countries seek to build on five decades of diplomatic engagement through expanded cooperation, institutional partnerships, and sustained dialogue that supports Seychelles’ broader international development objectives.

PHOTO SOURCE: Seychelles News Agency