A warm send-off for Ambassador Guo Wei |13 January 2023

Mr Chong-Seng addressing the gathering

The local Chinese community and others had the opportunity of giving outgoing Chinese ambassador to the Republic of Seychelles, Guo Wei, a warm send-off on Wednesday evening.

During a reception hosted by the embassy of the People’s Republic of China at the Eden Bleu hotel, the Chinese Association of Seychelles presented Ambassador Guo with a farewell present, one which is unique to the Seychelles, a coco-de-mer.

Ambassador Guo is to complete her four-year tenure in office next week.

Chairman of the association, Robert Chong-Seng, commended the ambassador for her role in strengthening Seychelles-China relations over the past four years. In particular, he highlighted her efforts and support towards the medical field in Seychelles, her passion for the children of Seychelles, and help towards the local Chinese community.

Ambassador Guo worked closely with the local Chinese community for the year China-Seychelles celebrations, and towards the long-delayed Chinese Cultural Centre project in Victoria.

“She is a graceful and caring person, with much refinement and humility. She bestows warmth and trust to all of those with whom she interacts face to face. She is the perfect role model for anyone aspiring to join the world of diplomacy,” Mr Chong-Seng stated.

He went on to express heartfelt gratitude, on behalf of the local Chinese community and people of Seychelles, for all Ambassador Guo has achieved during her mission, wishing her the best in her future endeavors.

Similarly, chairman of the Seychelles-China Trade and Business Promotion Association, Zhou Jinhua, highlighted the contributions of Ambassador Guo towards the promotion of friendly cooperation between the two countries, despite the challenges brought about by the Covid pandemic.

“Over the past four years, despite the pandemic, China-Seychelles relations have maintained an upwards momentum, and the practical cooperation has yielded many fruits. It has become a model of sincerity, friendship, cooperation, and win-win results between large and small countries. These are inseparable from the embassy under the leadership of Ambassador Guo’s hard work,” he stated.

Wishing Ambassador Guo good health and all the best, Mr Zhou noted that the relations between Seychelles and China can continue to develop as long as both sides have sincere mutual trust, the determination to deepen cooperation and the perseverance to jointly build an open world economy.

As well as the two associations, the Seychelles National Choir, led and managed by Xiaoju Lownam, presented Ambassador Guo with a departing gift.

Ambassador Guo has thus far served in eight countries.

Laura Pillay

Photos by Louis Toussaint