In a short ceremony held at the Military Training and Support Centre auditorium at Ile Perseverance, the Cateau Noir Exercise for 2023 was officially concluded.

A joint bilateral exercise between the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) and Forces Armées de Zone Sud de l’Océan Indien (FAZSOI), its aim is to improve co-operation and interoperability between the Seychelles and French Military. This years’ exercise was from 23rd October to 02nd November 2023 and comprised of a training phase between the French Special Forces and Seychelles Special Forces, followed by a live exercise. The exercise took place on Mahe, Praslin and Curieuseand saw participation of air, sea and ground assets of both forces.

Present at the closing ceremony was the French Ambassador to Seychelles, Her Excellency Mrs Olivia Berkley–Christmann, the Chief of Staff, Colonel Jean Attala and senior officials from SDF and French Military.In their addresses to the participants, both Ambassador Berkley-Christmann and Colonel Attala highlighted the ever-growing close collaboration between the armed forces of both nations, as well as the ease at which the forces are able to plan and execute joint operations in order to meet common threats in the Indian Ocean region.

Ambassador Berkley-Christmann also took the opportunity to highlight other training that SDF personnel have conducted in Reunion Island, in particular the “Brevet de Parachutisme Militaire” and “Stage Commando Aguerrissement”.