In a significant demonstration of deepening diplomatic relations, the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Seychelles recently reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening parliamentary cooperation. The latest engagement, held on April 11, 2025, at the Federal National Council (FNC) headquarters in Dubai, brought together high-level officials from both nations. It marks another pivotal step in the evolving partnership that bridges the Arabian Gulf with the Indian Ocean.
This meeting, part of an ongoing dialogue between the two countries, focused on expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, including economic investment, tourism, climate change initiatives, and legislative collaboration. As global dynamics shift and nations seek resilient partnerships to navigate emerging challenges, the UAE and Seychelles are setting a noteworthy example of diplomacy, engagement, and forward-thinking strategy.
A Historic Meeting for Parliamentary Diplomacy
Chaired by Saeed Rashid Al Abedi, head of the UAE Parliamentary Friendship Committee with African Parliaments, the delegation from the UAE extended a warm welcome to the visiting Seychellois representatives. The Seychelles delegation was led by Waven William, Chairperson of the International Affairs Committee of the National Assembly. Both leaders opened the session by reaffirming the long-standing goodwill that has characterized UAE–Seychelles relations over the years.
This meeting was not merely ceremonial. Rather, it was grounded in tangible goals—to strengthen parliamentary ties and develop frameworks that would enable both countries to collaborate more effectively through legislative diplomacy. Parliamentary diplomacy, as emphasized in the session, serves as a complementary force to traditional diplomacy, offering lawmakers an avenue to share experiences, enact supportive legislation, and build understanding through mutual exchange.
Expanding Spheres of Cooperation
Among the highlights of the dialogue was a shared ambition to expand cooperation in various key sectors, signaling a mature and multidimensional relationship.
1. Economic and Investment Cooperation
Investment emerged as a top priority during the discussions. The UAE, being one of the Middle East’s most robust financial hubs, offers a strategic gateway to global markets. Seychelles, with its thriving blue economy and tourism-centric development model, presents unique opportunities for Emirati investors. The two sides explored avenues to promote joint ventures in real estate, infrastructure development, technology, and financial services.
There is a growing interest among UAE-based businesses to enter African and Indian Ocean markets, and Seychelles serves as a vital link in this regional expansion. The potential for establishing free economic zones and tech incubation centers in Seychelles with UAE support was floated during the talks, with both sides keen to explore these ideas further.
2. Tourism and Cultural Exchange
Tourism, a cornerstone of Seychelles’ economy, found natural synergy with the UAE’s well-established travel and aviation sectors. The representatives emphasized the importance of easing travel between the two countries, establishing direct air links, and promoting mutual tourism campaigns. The goal is not only to increase tourist numbers but also to promote deeper cultural exchange.
Seychelles’ pristine islands and the UAE’s futuristic cities represent two different but complementary tourism experiences. Both countries acknowledged the need to jointly participate in global tourism exhibitions and explore twinning agreements between cities and regions to encourage people-to-people ties.
3. Climate Change and Renewable Energy
A critical point on the agenda was the shared threat of climate change. As small island nations like Seychelles face the brunt of rising sea levels and changing weather patterns, the UAE’s experience in renewable energy solutions offers valuable lessons. Both countries agreed to collaborate on green energy initiatives, with discussions touching upon solar energy, water desalination, and sustainable urban development.
The two parliamentary bodies recognized the need to push for climate-conscious legislation and support each other in global climate forums. The UAE’s role as a COP28 host was acknowledged, and Seychelles expressed its appreciation for the UAE’s consistent support in promoting sustainability on the global stage.
4. Education and Human Capital Development
Another area of mutual interest was education and human capital development. The discussions included proposals for academic exchange programs, capacity-building initiatives, and scholarships for Seychellois students to study in the UAE. Likewise, UAE institutions expressed openness to collaborative research in marine biology, renewable energy, and tourism management.
Strong Foundation of Historical Ties
The relationship between the UAE and Seychelles is not new. Over the years, the two nations have enjoyed fruitful cooperation, ranging from diplomatic exchanges to economic partnerships. The UAE has consistently supported Seychelles through humanitarian aid, development assistance, and infrastructure investments.
This enduring relationship has also translated into closer parliamentary cooperation. Previous meetings between members of the Federal National Council and the National Assembly of Seychelles have laid the groundwork for the current momentum. In recent years, the establishment of friendship committees and mutual visits by parliamentary members have facilitated dialogue and shared learning.
Seychelles has often expressed its appreciation for the UAE’s support in key development areas, including housing projects, education, and healthcare. Furthermore, Emirati investment in Seychellois infrastructure and renewable energy projects has been lauded for aligning with the island nation’s strategic development goals.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, both sides are determined to elevate this cooperation to a new level. The discussions concluded with a joint affirmation to create structured communication channels between their parliamentary bodies. There was also talk of institutionalizing annual meetings and expanding the mandate of parliamentary friendship committees to include oversight of collaborative projects.
The importance of aligning parliamentary efforts with executive-level diplomatic engagements was underscored. As both governments continue to push for modernization and sustainable development, legislative backing remains essential. By engaging at the parliamentary level, the UAE and Seychelles can ensure that their cooperation is broad-based, inclusive, and rooted in law and governance.
Waven William emphasized that Seychelles sees the UAE as a key partner in achieving its long-term national development goals. He added that the partnership is not only strategic but also one built on mutual respect and a shared vision for progress.
Saeed Rashid Al Abedi echoed these sentiments, highlighting the UAE leadership’s directive to expand its international alliances, especially with African nations. He noted that the Seychelles partnership is particularly valued due to the country’s strategic location and commitment to democratic values and sustainable development.
A Model of Collaborative Diplomacy
In an increasingly polarized world, the UAE–Seychelles engagement stands as a beacon of what collaborative diplomacy can achieve. While the two countries differ in size and geography, they share a forward-thinking approach to development and a belief in the power of partnerships.
Their cooperation across economic, environmental, cultural, and legislative sectors demonstrates how even geographically distant nations can build meaningful and impactful alliances. Through shared initiatives, open dialogue, and mutual trust, the UAE and Seychelles are laying the groundwork for a resilient and prosperous future.
Conclusion
The meeting between the UAE and Seychelles parliamentary representatives is more than a diplomatic gesture—it is a reaffirmation of a growing strategic alliance. As both nations navigate the complexities of a changing world, their partnership serves as a model for how countries can leverage mutual strengths to achieve common goals. Whether in tackling climate change, boosting tourism, or fostering investment, the two nations are well on their way to building a partnership that is as enduring as it is dynamic.
This comprehensive engagement at the legislative level promises to deepen bonds and open new frontiers of cooperation, ensuring that both the UAE and Seychelles continue to thrive through shared vision and strategic action.
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