China, Seychelles celebrate 35 years of diplomatic relations |04 July 2011

Chinese ambassador to Seychelles, Wang Weiguo, said this while addressing guests at a reception last Friday to mark the 35 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The event, held at the Chinese embassy at St Louis, were attended by former president James Mancham, Vice-President Danny Faure, chief justice Fredrick Egonda-Ntende and former vice-president Joseph Belmont.

Among other guests included several ministers, secretary of state Barry Faure, members of the National Assembly and high government officials.

China and Seychelles officially established diplomatic ties on June 30, 1976 but the history of relations between the two countries goes back to more than 35 years.

Addressing the guests, Mr Wang said the two countries should push forward their relationship of friendly cooperation on the basis of sincerity, equality and mutual trust.

“It is also my firm belief that our ties of friendship and partnership will be further strengthened for the prosperity and progress of our two countries,” he said.

Mr Wang added that China and Seychelles continue to enjoy a special bond of friendship and cordial relations based on mutual understanding and respect.

“The cooperation in the political, economic and cultural sectors and all the other domains alike has achieved positive progress,” he said.

He added that the China-Seychelles relations witnessed a rapid progress in every field in recent years, especially after the successful holding of the Beijing summit of China-Africa cooperation forum and President James Michel’s state visit to China in 2006.

In his address, the Minister for Social Affairs and Culture Bernard Shamlaye -- who was deputising for Foreign Affairs minister Jean-Paul Adam -- said this anniversary is a milestone to be celebrated with pride, with a sense of achievement and with good reason to believe in the strengthening of these relations in the years to come.

He added that with concerted efforts of both sides the relations between the two countries will surely bear fruits.

Mr Shamlaye also congratulated Mr Wang and the Chinese government on the 90th anniversary of the Communist Party of China.

He proposed a toast to the good health of President Hu Jintao, to the prosperity of the Chinese people and to the further strengthening of the excellent ties of friendship and cooperation between China and Seychelles.

Mr Wang also proposed a toast to the friendship and cooperation between China and Seychelles, to the health of the leaders, the prosperity and happiness of the two nations.

Those present had the chance to enjoy performances by Chinese violinist Zhu Dan.