Seychelles-China relations |23 January 2021

Minister Radegonde accepting the grant donation from Ambasador Guo (Photo: Jude Morel)

Two foreign ministries working in tandem for the betterment of their country

The Seychelles Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received a donation on one million Yuan (approximately R3.2 million) from the government of China and the Chinese foreign ministry.

The cheque was presented to the Minister for Foreign Affairs & Tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde, by the Chinese ambassador to Seychelles, Guo Wei, in a small ceremony at the Maison Queau de Quinssy.

The grant was promised by the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, when he visited Seychelles at the beginning of the year.

“This donation represents the good collaboration between the two foreign ministries from both countries and we will continue to work together to strengthen that relationship,” said Ambassador Guo.

Minister Radegonde for his part thanked the ambassador for the donation as well as Minister Wang.

“The Ministry of Foreign affairs has a responsibility to promote the interests of its country on the international scene. Seychelles is going through a difficult time and we have had to close down three embassies at the end of last year which has limited our representation,” Minister Radegonde noted.

He added that Covid-19 and the economic constraints are preventing Seychelles from taking part in international conferences.

“This donation will help Seychelles participate in these international conferences by providing us with a conference room equipped for video conferences,” he said.

He also added that the money will go towards equipping the ministry so it will better accommodate its workers working from home and provide them with essentials such as laptops and creating a platform where management and staff will be able to interact.

The minister concluded by expressing his appreciation for the enduring friendship and cooperation between China and Seychelles.

Christophe Zialor