Victoria: President Dr. Patrick Herminie today received Mr. Christopher Green, the new Charg© d'Affaires of the United States Embassy in Seychelles, at State House, marking the presentation of a Commemorative Plaque commemorating 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Seychelles and the United States of America.
According to African Press Organization, the presentation was conducted on behalf of the outgoing Charg© d'Affaires Mr. Adham Louti and was succeeded by discussions between President Herminie and CDA Green. The discussions focused on two key areas of the bilateral relationship: maritime security and the fight against illicit drug trafficking.
The dialogue on counter-narcotics cooperation was notably significant, with both President Herminie and CDA Green leveraging their respective backgrounds in the sector. President Herminie provided insights into Seychelles' upcoming IBBS (Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance) study, aimed at evaluating the extent and circulation of illicit drugs in the country. CDA Green expressed the Embassy's readiness to support Seychelles in reducing drug demand, utilizing expertise within the U.S. mission to bolster local efforts to reduce drug use within communities.
Regarding maritime security, both parties acknowledged the importance of their longstanding cooperation in ensuring the western Indian Ocean remains safe, open, and free. These efforts include joint endeavors to enhance maritime domain awareness and counter illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, trafficking, and piracy.
CDA Green also outlined his objectives for his tenure in Seychelles, which include the practical implementation of agreements already established between the two countries, overseeing the completion of the new United States Embassy at Ile Perseverance, and welcoming the new U.S. Ambassador to Seychelles.
This meeting coincides with Seychelles and the United States marking half a century of diplomatic relations in 2026, a partnership that has expanded to include security and maritime cooperation, counter-narcotics, military training, and exchanges, the recently signed State Partnership Program with a U.S. National Guard unit, along with a variety of educational and people-to-people connections.
President Herminie expressed his appreciation for the ongoing strength of the partnership and reiterated the Seychelles Government's commitment to enhancing collaboration with the United States across shared priorities, including security, education, trade, economic opportunity, and people-to-people ties.