President of the Republic Dr Patrick Herminie, accompanied by First Lady Mrs Veronique Herminie, stood as Guest of Honour today at France's National Day celebrations in La Réunion, an occasion that once again affirmed the depth and warmth of the relationship binding Seychelles and its Réunionnais neighbours. The ceremony, held at the Barachois in Saint-Denis, brought together the Prefect of La Réunion and senior French and regional authorities in a display of shared history and continuing friendship.

The commemorations unfolded with a formal military review, the presentation of decorations, an address by the Prefect, and a military and civilian parade, distinguished this year by the presence of the Topaz platoon of the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF). The twelve servicemen, currently in La Réunion on a training programme, marched alongside French forces, their participation a quiet but powerful testament to the trust and cooperation that has come to define defence relations between the two islands.

In his address, the Prefect spoke warmly of the ties between Seychelles and La Réunion, honouring a friendship that has grown steadily across generations, as President Herminie and the First Lady received the tribute as guests of honour.

Bastille Day, observed each year on 14 July, commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1789 and stands as France's National Day, a celebration of liberty, equality and fraternity. In La Réunion, the occasion draws together the island's civil, military and political life, and this year offered a fitting stage on which to honour Seychelles' place among France's closest regional partners.

President Herminie's presence as Guest of Honour, and the march of the Topaz platoon through the streets of Saint-Denis, will be remembered as a defining moment in the continuing story of friendship between Seychelles and La Réunion.