Strengthening maritime safety

Canada’s departing High Commissioner to the Seychelles, Kyle Nunas, praised successful partnerships in maritime security, crime-fighting technical support, and the rollout of electronic travel authorization. He shared these remarks following his meeting with President Wavel Ramkalawan on Thursday.

The two nations have consistently collaborated on maritime security, with members of the Canadian Coast Guard visiting the island for capacity-building training during the US-led military exercise Cutlass Express earlier this year. « We are proud of our collaboration with Seychelles to improve maritime safety and strengthen Seychelles’ ability to guarantee its territorial integrity », said Nunas. He added that Royal Canadian Mounted Police personnel have provided crucial technical support to the local police in fighting crime. Nunas also highlighted the introduction of an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which allows Seychellois citizens with a Canadian temporary resident visa from the last 10 years or a valid U.S. visitor visa to enter Canada by air.

Canada and Seychelles established diplomatic relations in 1976 and are members of the International Organisation Francophonie, the Commonwealth, and the United Nations. Additionally, Canada is the eighth largest contributor to the Global Climate Fund, which supports four projects in Seychelles.