Salim Mathieu: The Case for Expanding Seychelles’ Diplomatic Footprint. The Lessons from My Time in Europe

My years living between Seychelles and Europe changed the way I understand diplomacy. When you come from a small island state, you grow up hearing that your country must be cautious, modest, and selective in its global engagements. You are taught that the world is too large, too fast, and too competitive for a nation of our size to shape events beyond our shores. Yet the more time I spent abroad, the more I realised that this idea of smallness is something we impose on ourselves rather than something the world demands of us.

Living in Europe taught me that influence is not measured strictly by population or landmass. It is measured by presence, relationships, consistency, and the ability to articulate national interests clearly and confidently. Countries smaller than Seychelles have built powerful global identities because they invested in diplomacy as a strategic tool rather than a ceremonial one. That lesson stayed with me, and it remains one of the strongest reasons why I believe Seychelles must expand its diplomatic footprint far beyond its current structure.

Diplomacy is often misunderstood at home. It is not merely receptions, speeches, meetings, or symbolic representation. It is a nation’s operating system abroad. It is the way a country protects its economic interests, attracts investment, shapes narratives, and builds long term partnerships that can strengthen national resilience. In a rapidly changing world, where technology, climate pressures, and geopolitical tensions intersect every day, a small country without strong diplomatic capacity becomes vulnerable to decisions made elsewhere.

Europe showed me how deeply diplomacy affects everyday life. In countries like Denmark, Sweden, and Finland, diplomacy is treated as a national investment, not an optional luxury. Even small European states maintain networks that give them unparalleled access to global decision making. They understand that the world rewards those who show up. It pays attention to those who build relationships. It listens to those who present long term plans backed by discipline and vision.

Seychelles cannot afford to remain quietly positioned on the sidelines of global discussions. We are too exposed to external risks and too reliant on global markets to operate with minimal representation. Every major challenge that affects Seychelles is international in nature. Climate change, food security, maritime security, trade routes, foreign investment, digital competition, and international regulatory standards all originate beyond our borders. If we are not present in those arenas, others will shape the rules around us and we will be left adapting rather than influencing.

A larger diplomatic footprint does not require grand buildings or large teams. It requires strategic positioning. In Europe, I saw how effective micro-embassies can be. A handful of highly competent diplomats in the right capitals can produce outcomes that transform a country’s economy and global visibility. A single office in Scandinavia would give Seychelles proximity to some of the most advanced research networks in the world. A stronger presence in Central Europe would open doors to renewable energy partnerships, technology transfers, and youth mobility programs. More structured engagement with European institutions would strengthen our negotiating position on climate finance and maritime issues.

These are not theoretical benefits. They are the kinds of opportunities small European states have been capitalising on for decades. When they show up to a meeting, they come prepared with data, clear objectives, and long term strategies. When they negotiate, they do so with confidence because they understand their value. And when they build alliances, they do so with consistency, not sporadic engagement. Seychelles can learn from this approach and tailor it to our reality.

My time in Europe also showed me how important visibility is. In international affairs, absence is interpreted as disengagement. When a country is not consistently present, it easily becomes forgotten or misunderstood. This invisibility hurts Seychelles in subtle ways. Investors do not think of us. Institutions ignore us in major consultations. International partners assume we lack direction. The narrative of who we are gets written by others and often reduced to beaches, resorts, and vulnerability. Expanding our diplomatic footprint is how we reclaim that narrative and redefine how the world perceives us.

One aspect that struck me throughout my years abroad was how willing European institutions are to support small island states. Funding exists. Programs exist. Technical assistance exists. What is missing is our proactive engagement. These opportunities go to those who are present, those who follow up, and those who build trust through ongoing dialogue. Seychelles must strengthen its capacity to be in those rooms consistently, not occasionally.

The diaspora is another powerful reason for expanding our reach. Throughout Europe, there are Seychellois with skills, networks, and knowledge that could benefit the nation. Yet many remain disconnected from home simply because there is no structured diplomatic channel that engages them. They are an untapped resource. Building diplomatic presence is how we reconnect with them, map their expertise, and involve them in nation building. A country that ignores its diaspora neglects one of its most strategic assets.

I often reflect on the contrast between how Seychelles sees itself and how Europe sees small states. Europeans admire efficiency, innovation, and focus. They respect countries that understand their strengths and develop niches where they can excel. Seychelles has many such niches. We are a leader in blue economy governance. We are a testing ground for conservation finance. We have a multicultural identity that positions us well for global cooperation. What we lack is the diplomatic machinery to project these strengths on a larger scale.

Expanding our diplomatic footprint is not about becoming something we are not. It is about fully becoming what we are capable of being. A confident small state. A leader in ocean governance. A connector between the Indian Ocean and Europe. A country that contributes ideas, not just statements. A nation that protects its interests with dignity and competence.

My experiences in Europe convinced me that the world is quietly divided into two kinds of small states. Those that choose ambition and invest in diplomacy. And those that remain passive and hope others will look after their interests. Seychelles must choose the first path. We cannot wait for the world to slow down. We cannot continue relying on outdated diplomatic structures while the global landscape accelerates.

A modern Seychelles deserves a modern diplomatic presence. One that is strategic, visible, trusted, and capable of navigating a complex world with skill and foresight. The lessons I learned abroad taught me that diplomacy is not a luxury for small nations. It is our lifeline. And it is time we invest in it with the seriousness and ambition that our future demands.