Seychelles and China strengthen cultural ties |30 September 2013

To further develop exchanges and cooperation in the field of publishing an agreement has been signed between the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and the State Administration of Press Publications Radio Film and Television of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

The agreement was signed on Friday by Benjamine Rose, principal secretary for Culture and Wu Shulin, vice-minister general administration of Press Publications Radio Film and Television of the PRC, in the presence of Ibrahim Afif, chairperson of the Seychelles Media Commission, staff of the Ministry of Culture and representatives of the Chinese embassy.

After exchanging the signed agreement, Mrs Rose said: “On behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture I express my sincere thanks and appreciation for the chance you have given us the people of Seychelles to learn more about Chinese history and about China in general and you likewise on Seychelles.”

She added that this agreement paves the way to extend printing materials to the general public.

Mr Wu expressed his appreciation for the willingness of the government of Seychelles to continue the collaboration between the two countries.

“As an old Chinese saying goes, a strong bond between two countries leads to strong bonds between people that leads to strong bonds from heart to heart,” he said.

The agreement makes provision for the Ministry of Tourism and Culture to benefit from two sets of Chinese classics. The State Administration of Press Publications Radio Film and Television will then entrust Chinese publisher to publish and distribute in China two sets of books on history, culture and tourism of Seychelles.

Both parties will also explore possible avenues to participate in international book fairs and undertake cultural product trade and printing services.