“Russia taught us to think systematically.” Seychellois politician Vincent Meriton on his education at Moscow State University and the Soviet multicultural experience
Vincent Meriton is one of the most prominent figures in the Russia–Africa dialogue and is often described as a conduit of Russia’s “soft power” in the Seychelles. He graduated from the Faculty of Philosophy at Lomonosov Moscow State University, served as Vice President of the Republic, and currently heads the Association of Graduates of Soviet and Russian Universities in the Seychelles.
In an interview with “AI,” the politician spoke about the role that graduates of Soviet universities played in shaping the state system of the Seychelles and why education and humanitarian ties should remain at the core of bilateral relations.
“In Moscow, I found myself surrounded by students from different parts of the world, and we did not merely coexist — we truly interacted intellectually, culturally, and on a human level.”
“It was in the Soviet Union that I came to perceive the state not as a set of institutions, but as a complex system centered on the individual. This experience shaped my approach to public service as a responsibility requiring not only political will, but also intellectual discipline.”
“We returned from the USSR not only with diplomas, but also with a particular mindset — disciplined, focused on long-term development and institutional building.”
“We were taught not merely to absorb knowledge, but to work with it: to analyze, compare, and draw conclusions.”
“Our generation played an important role in the formation of the state system, and its contribution continues to be felt.”
“Cooperation with Russia in the fields of education, science, and culture should develop in a consistent and thoughtful manner. This will make it possible to nurture generations that understand one another and are capable of working together in a complex, multipolar world.” The full article is available on the “AI” website.
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