A conversation on tourism, maritime security and capacity building unfolded as President Dr Patrick Herminie received the credentials of Mr Vincenzo Del Monaco, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to the Republic of Seychelles, at State House this morning.

President Herminie welcomed Ambassador Del Monaco and reiterated Seychelles' appreciation for its longstanding partnership with Italy.

The President highlighted the challenges faced by Small Island Developing States despite favourable economic classifications, noting that traditional measures such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) do not always reflect the realities confronting countries like Seychelles.

"Our GDP does not always showcase or represent our real challenges. This is why we are looking at the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index, so that although we are considered a high-income country, the vulnerabilities and challenges we face are not properly recognised," President Herminie said.

In relation to maritime security, Ambassador Del Monaco highlighting the importance of maintaining peace and stability in international waters through cooperation among nations.

"The international community should operate peacefully. This is how I see things," the Ambassador said.

The Ambassador also underscored the value of capacity building as a two-way process, stating that both countries stand to benefit from the exchange of expertise and experience.

Italy remains one of Seychelles' most important tourism markets and consistently ranks among the leading European sources of visitors to the islands.

Tourism was another key area of discussion, with Ambassador Del Monaco expressing optimism about further strengthening links between the two nations. He noted the potential for enhanced air connectivity and welcomed discussions with Air Seychelles, including the possibility of future arrangements that could support growing travel demand between the two countries. He also pointed to the prospect of two weekly flights to Rome as part of broader efforts to strengthen people to people exchanges and tourism cooperation.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, by the end of September 2025, Seychelles had recorded more than 17,000 visitor arrivals from Italy, representing a 21 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024.

The Ambassador thanked Seychelles for the hospitality extended to the Italian community living in the country and described members of the community as ambassadors who in their own right contribute to strengthening ties between the two nations.

Following the accreditation ceremony, Ambassador Del Monaco met with Vice President Mr Sebastien Pillay, where discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations through tourism, investment, maritime cooperation and improved connectivity between the two countries. The meeting also explored the possibility of organising a Business Forum in October to foster stronger trade and investment linkages between Seychelles and Italy.

The accreditation of Ambassador Del Monaco marks the fourth accreditation of an Italian Ambassador to Seychelles since diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on 29 June 1976.

It comes as Seychelles and Italy approach the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations later this month. Relations between Seychelles and Italy have traditionally been cordial and friendly, with cooperation spanning tourism, maritime security, environmental protection, commerce, health, training and people to people exchanges.

Italy maintains diplomatic representation to Seychelles through its Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, supported locally by an Honorary Consul in Victoria, while Seychelles is represented in Italy through its diplomatic and consular network in Rome.

Over the years, both countries have explored avenues for cooperation in law enforcement, judicial collaboration, air connectivity, vocational training, climate change and sustainable development. Italy has also contributed to regional maritime security efforts in the Western Indian Ocean, further reinforcing the partnership between the two countries.