Seychelles’ Vice-President, Sebastien Pillay, represented President Dr Patrick Herminie at the 7th African Union–European Union Summit held in Luanda, Angola, from 24–25 November 2025, his first overseas mission since assuming office.
Marking 25 years of AU–EU cooperation, the summit focused on “Promoting Peace and Prosperity through Effective Multilateralism,” bringing together leaders from both continents to discuss peace, economic development and shared opportunities.
On the opening day, Mr Pillay spoke during the session on peace, security and multilateralism, highlighting the importance of collective action and reaffirming Seychelles’ commitment to regional and global cooperation. He welcomed the European Union’s support on maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean, including efforts to address anti-money laundering, human trafficking, drug smuggling, piracy and illegal fishing. Vice President Pillay stressed that national development relies on peace, stability and the protection of territorial integrity.
The second day centred on prosperity, people, migration and mobility, with discussions on inclusive growth and youth opportunities.
During the summit, the Vice-President held bilateral meetings with the Vice-Presidents of the European Union Parliament and the European Investment Bank. Talks covered ongoing EU–Seychelles projects, including the Port Extension Project, which Mr Pillay said the new government aims to accelerate after previous delays. They also discussed negotiations on a new Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement and the future of the Marie-Louise Facility.
Mr Pillay also met Ambassador Marie Antoinette Rose Quatre, CEO of the African Peer Review Mechanism, to review Seychelles’ progress on national structures and potential areas of support.
On the sidelines, he interacted with several leaders, including South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, and others, reaffirming Seychelles’ bilateral relationships across Africa and Europe.The Vice-President was accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Seychelles’ diplomatic missions.