“Even Distant Shores Can Grow Closer”: Seychelles Government Officials Attend Concert by Russia’s Black Sea Fleet Ensemble

The Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Navy’s Black Sea Fleet gave its second performance in the Seychelles at the International Conference Centre Seychelles (ICCS) in the capital. Among those in attendance were Seychelles’ Minister for Foreign Affairs Barry Faure, Minister of Transport Veronique Laporte, and Minister for Youth, Sports and Family Kelsey Belle.

The concert was held as part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Republic’s independence, an African Initiative correspondent reported.

The event was organized by the Russian Ministry of Defence with the support of the African Initiative news agency and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Seychelles.

Russian Ambassador to the Seychelles Artyom Kozhin addressed the audience with opening remarks. He noted that Russia and the Seychelles officially mark 50 years of diplomatic relations this year, while emphasizing that ties between the two countries began long before formal diplomatic relations were established. “For many years, ships crossing the Indian Ocean created opportunities for meetings, cultural exchange, and mutual interest. These maritime connections served as a reminder that even distant shores can grow closer through openness, respect, and human interaction. <…> Music, perhaps more than any other language, enables people to understand one another without translation. Through performances and shared emotions, it builds bridges where maps show only the open sea,” the Russian ambassador said.

In a conversation with an African Initiative correspondent, the Seychelles’ Minister for Foreign Affairs praised the ensemble’s performance, paying particular tribute to the artists’ outstanding physical fitness.

The ensemble performed a total of 21 pieces, including the vocal and choreographic composition Legendary Sevastopol, the song Sevastopol Waltz, and choral performances of Kalinka, Katyusha, Mother Earth, as well as a number of other works.

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