The Government of Seychelles has recently implemented strategic changes within its diplomatic and foreign affairs leadership, fostering new working relationships that aim to strengthen the nation’s international presence and coordination.

New Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs

On 21 July 2025, the Office of the President announced the appointment of Ambassador Ian Madeleine as the new Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, effective 1 August 2025. Ambassador Madeleine succeeds Ambassador Vivianne Fock Tave, who held the position from May 2021 until July 2025. With over a decade of experience in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ambassador Madeleine brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. His previous positions include Director of Regional Affairs, Director of Maritime Affairs, and Director of Protocol. Notably, he served as Seychelles’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Ambassador to the United States, Canada, and Cuba from June 2021 to July 2025.

Appointment of New Ambassador to the United Nations

Concurrently, the Government has appointed Ambassador Vivianne Fock Tave as Seychelles’ new Ambassador to the United Nations in New York, effective 1 August 2025. Ambassador Fock Tave is a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience, having previously served as Seychelles’ Ambassador to Belgium and the European Union, as well as Ambassador to China, Japan, and South Korea. Her appointment marks a continuation of Seychelles’ commitment to active participation in international diplomacy.

Implication for the Consulate and the Consul

As a result of these changes:

• Jean Pierre Latour, Honorary Consul of Seychelles in Switzerland, will now be working more closely with Ambassador Ian Madeleine in his capacity as Principal Secretary.
• The Consulate’s interactions with headquarters in Victoria, particularly on consular, diplomatic, and policy matters, will proceed under the new coordination structure.
• The transition seeks to ensure consistency, institutional memory, and strengthened collaboration between field missions and the Ministry’s central administration.

We, the consulate of Seychelles in Zoug, Switzerland, extend our congratulations to Ambassadors Ian Madeleine and Vivianne Fock Tave. The Consulate remains committed to supporting Seychelles’ diplomatic objectives and serving nationals abroad.

Source – (Ministère des Affaires Étrangères Seychelles)