Seychelles and China celebrate 47th anniversary of diplomatic relations |01 July 2023
Mr Mu
With the celebration of Seychelles’ 47th anniversary of independence, China-Seychelles also marked the 47th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
The chargé d'affaire from the Chinese embassy, Mu Jianfeng, met with the local press to share the various accomplishments/projects between the two countries and shared his vision of the cooperation and friendship in the near future.
“Chinese President Xi Jinping is attaching great importance to our bilateral relations. He pointed out that the traditional friendship between our two countries has been stronger than ever, and he is ready to make joint efforts with his counterpart, President Wavel Ramkalawan, to strengthen mutual support, deepen pragmatic cooperation and boost people-to-people ties, so as to bring more benefits to our two peoples,” he said.
Over the past 47 years, China and Seychelles deepened mutual trust and supported each other on numerous issues. “Holding dear to the common values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom, we worked together to foster the formation of a fairer and more equitable international system, and safeguard the common interest of developing countries. In Seychelles, you are committed to building a “Seychelles for all its children”. In China, we are devoted to the people first approach to development and modernisation. In the cause of bringing prosperity and happiness to our peoples, we are brothers, friends and partners, and our relationship serves as the model of countries in different size,” shared Mr Mu.
Over the past decades, China completed many cooperation projects and has been providing assistance to Seychelles: The National Assembly, Palais de Justice, Anse Royale Hospital, and National Swimming Pool, just to name some of them. The China-aided SBC project, despite some delays, will be completed this year.
Since 1985, more than 100 Chinese doctors have been providing service for the Seychellois. All of these have contributed to the social and economic development of Seychelles. During Covid-19 China provided valuable medical supplies to Seychelles.
In addition to China aid, the Chinese contractors have participated in the economic development of Seychelles. On June 28, La Gogue dam was officially unveiled by President Wavel Ramkalawan, which will help enhance water security for the local community.
Speaking about tourism where before the pandemic Seychelles welcomed more than 10,000 tourists, Mr Mu shared that they are currently working on the return of Chinese tourists this year.
Another major achievement in Seychelles is how Chinese culture is an integral part of Seychelles’ multi-cultural society. “Cultural and people-to-people exchange are the most prominent part of our relations. Over the past years, nearly 200 Seychellois students have been awarded Chinese government scholarship and went to China to further their studies. Bilateral exchanges between sister cities and in academia, media and youth have also been continuously promoted. In Seychelles, the ‘Seychelles-China Day’ has been successfully held for ten years since 2014, which is warmly welcomed by local people.
The Confucius Institute at the UniSey has been working to help Seychellois to learn Chinese. The Chinese-Bridge (Chinese Proficiency) Competition has attracted participation of many Seychellois young friends. On May 30 and 31, 2023, under the initiative of Chinese First Lady Pro. Peng Liyuan and Organisation of African First Ladies for Development, the Chinese embassy was honoured to organise the Warm Children’s Hearts event, with the participation of Seychelles’ First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, bringing joy and happiness to the local orphans. The embassy has also been providing support to the Liam’s Rainbow Foundation and Festival Zanfan over the past years, and so we did this year.
Mr Mu further added that the world is entering a new era.“There are challenges in front of us such as instability in international politics, uncertainties in world growth, and the challenge of climate change, maritime security. At the same time, there are opportunities. The digital revolution is transforming the world, and globalisation is gaining new momentum with the rapid growth of emerging and developing countries. The biggest opportunity comes from China, whose economy is projected to grow by 5.4% and contribute to more than 30% of world growth. The big Chinese market is open to the world.”
“In the coming years, it is imperative for China and Seychelles to seize the opportunities and address challenges hand in hand. We should jointly promote the peace and development cause. Big or small, all countries have the obligation to uphold the principle and purpose of the UN Charter, and safeguard the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law. We should make our respective contribution to world peace and common development, and make sure that the interest of developing countries be fully respected and protected on the international stage.”
China is willing to tap the potential in bilateral practical cooperation. In addition to China aid projects, both countries will enrich their cooperation and make full use of their respective advantages.
“In the field of blue economy, fisheries, agriculture, tourism, we can undertake more cooperation. And we will encourage more export from Seychelles to Chinese market, and more tourists from China to visit Seychelles. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, we can continue to explore cooperation on infrastructure upgrading. With the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, we are ready to work with Seychelles to realise UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, address the challenge of climate change, and build a global community of development.”
The Chinese government will continue to provide scholarship to Seychellois students to study in China and they will support the work of the Confucius Institute and encourage more Seychellois to learn Chinese.
In line with the principles of Global Civilisation Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, they will hold more cultural events both in Seychelles and China, with a view to strengthening mutual understanding and advancing the progress and development of human civilisations.
In conclusion, Mr Mu reassured the Seychellois that they will continue their cooperation and mutual support on the international stage.
“China and Seychelles are both committed to safeguard state sovereignty and territorial integrity. We appreciate that the Seychelles government and people firmly support one-China policy. In terms of maritime security, China will render its support to Seychelles in combating piracy and drug and human trafficking, and jointly implement the Global Security Initiative in Africa. As the world's largest developing country, China fully understands the development needs of small island countries and their unique vulnerability. In this regard, we support the formulation of Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), and help to address the concerns of small island developing countries. China is ready to work together with Seychelles to take our relations to a new level and build a community with a shared future for both sides.”
Vidya Gappy
Photos: Leanne Alcindor
