A Seychelles delegation led by Ambassador Ian Madeleine, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, paid a courtesy call on Dr Ibrahim Norbert Richard, Secretary-General of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), in Mauritius on 10 September 2026.
The delegation included H.E. Nicholas Prea, High Commissioner of Seychelles to Mauritius and Mrs. Jemma Simeon, Principal Counsellor at the Seychelles High Commission in Mauritius.
Dr Richard welcomed the Seychelles delegation and expressed his appreciation for the visit. Discussions focused on strengthening Seychelles’ engagement with the IOC and enhancing regional cooperation among Member States.
The Secretary-General highlighted the importance of stronger coordination between the IOC Secretariat and Member States and encouraged Seychelles to maintain close engagement with the Commission. He also shared his vision for strengthening the role of diplomatic representations in supporting Member States’ interests within the IOC framework.
Discussions also covered the forthcoming IOC Ministerial Retreat, challenges facing Small Island States, and opportunities to strengthen regional cooperation in areas including maritime security, combating illegal fishing and drug trafficking, and law-enforcement cooperation.
The Seychelles delegation reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the IOC in advancing shared regional priorities and expressed appreciation for the Secretary-General’s continued support and openness to engagement.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.
