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Chinese ambassador Shi bids Seychelles farewell |29 September 2014

 

 

 



After serving the People’s Republic of China in Seychelles for three years, Ambassador Shi Zhongjun bid farewell to the country on Friday night.

It was during a gathering held at the Chinese Embassy at St Louis and organised to coincide with the forthcoming 65th anniversary of China’s Independence Day on October 1, that Mr Shi bid farewell to Seychelles in the presence of Vice-President Danny Faure, Designated Minister Vincent Meriton, ministers, members of the diplomatic corps and other guests.

Addressing his guests, Ambassador Shi gave a brief history of his achievements during his time served as the ambassador in Seychelles. “I still remember in 2011, when I was just appointed as the new ambassador to Seychelles. I welcomed President James Michel in Beijing and accompanied him to meet the then-deputy President Xi Jinping. I still remember, when I just arrived in Seychelles, I received great warmth and friendliness from friends of all circles. But there is no feast which has no end,” Ambassador Shi said with a heartfelt regret.

He added that “in three years the assistance of China to Seychelles has grown a lot. We co-witnessed the formal opening ceremony of the Palais de Justice, Anse Royal hospital and Les Mamelles housing project. The people to people exchange between the two countries has become more convenient and frequent. Last year, Seychelles and China signed mutual visa-waivers in an all-round way, which was the first of its kind that China has signed with African countries.”

He pointed out that “in the three years, the number of Chinese tourists to Seychelles has grown almost double on a yearly basis. In 2012, the tourist number stood at 4,463, and in 2013 it was 7,714. Up until September 14 it broke a record of 10,000. I believe there will be more Chinese tourists in the future.”
On behalf of his wife and himself, Ambassador Shi thanked Seychelles for the sincere friendship and he expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Seychelles government and all who gave great valuable support to his colleagues and himself.

Thanking Ambassador Shi for his support and contribution to Seychelles, Designated Minister Meriton said: “On behalf of the government and the people of Seychelles, I commend you for the instrumental role you and your team have played in fortifying the relationship between our two countries. You have brought renewed momentum to our existing partnership and we are all sad to see you leave. We do hope we will be able to welcome you back to our shores in the near future. Without a doubt your successor will serve both China and Seychelles with the same dedication.”

Standing in for Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Paul Adam, who was away on overseas mission, Designated Minister Meriton presented on behalf of President James Michel, the government and the people of Seychelles, their heartfelt congratulations and sincere wishes of further progress and prosperity to President Xi Jinping, the government and the people of the People’s Republic of China on this momentous occasion.

“Sixty-five years might be a short time in the life of a nation, but it is long enough to have made significant changes in the lives of the people of China.
Over the last 65 years, China has indeed made significant achievements, which have attracted the attention of the whole world,” said Mr Meriton.

He said he is convinced that as China further advances on this incredible journey, it will continue to entrench the values that have brought the people of China this far – unity, hard work, mutual respect and shared responsibility.

The minister noted that he has experienced firsthand the warmth and vitality of the people of China for having visited the country on many occasions, adding that China is today the land where tradition and modernity engage in a rich dialogue.

“It is a country where one of the most ancient civilisations in the world, draws on the wealth of its timeless wisdom to shape an even brighter future for its people. With economic dynamism, competitiveness and innovation China has emerged as a stabilising force in the global economy. It features among the countries which hold the key to finding new solutions to the unprecedented challenges that the world continues to face. It is therefore with great pleasure and with much conviction that I would like on this special day to reaffirm the deep commitment of the government of Seychelles to work towards the building of a stronger and more diverse partnership with China,” said the minister who added that Seychelles and China share history, values and a common aspiration for the future.

“We are natural partners. Our partnership provides to the rest of the world a model for cooperation, for sustainable growth and for openness between one of the largest and fastest developing countries of the world and one of the smallest nations. Despite our size, we stand as equal partners in our common efforts to overcome the challenges of development, and to build a just and more equitable world.

“As Asia’s gateway to Africa, we in Seychelles clearly recognise our special role in strengthening ties between Africa and China. In this new promising era for Africa, we are convinced that China can offer limitless opportunities for our continent’s growth. In the same way, development in Africa will further fuel China’s growth,” continued Mr Meriton.

After toasting to the success of the People’s Republic of China and Seychelles as well as the long-lasting friendship and cooperation between the two countries the guests were served Chinese dishes for dinner.

 

 

 

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