China and Seychelles celebrate 45 years of diplomatic relations |26 June 2021
President Ramkalawan and Ambassador Guo in a souvenir photograph with guests interacting in the background
To commemorate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of China-Seychelles diplomatic relations, the Chinese ambassador, Guo Wei, hosted a brief ceremony at the Chinese embassy, St Louis, yesterday evening.
The ceremony which sought to celebrate the establishment and flourishing relations between the two states, was attended by President Wavel Ramkalawan, First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, Vice-President Ahmed Afif, and other high-ranking delegates, namely Speaker of the National Assembly Roger Mancienne, ministers, leader of government business Bernard Georges, members of the diplomatic corps, Attorney General Frank Ally, Chief of Staff of the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF) Simon Dine and principal secretaries.
In her opening remarks Ambassador Guo recounted the starting point between the two states, dating back to June 1976, merely one day after Seychelles gained its independence. The ambassador noted that the relations are characterised by equality and a sound momentum of growth, “setting a good example of sincere friendship and deepening political mutual trust, solidarity and fruitful practical cooperation, and flourishing people-to-people exchanges”.
“The frequent high-level exchanges charted the course for the development of bilateral relations. China and Seychelles have always respected each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns. China has made joint efforts with Seychelles by promoting bilateral economic and commercial cooperation and providing government assistances for its economic and social development. China highly appreciates that Seychelles takes a firm stand in one-China principle and Seychelles understands and supports China on issues involving China’s core interests,” Ambassador Guo assured the invitees.
Faced with the Covid-19 pandemic, Ambassador Guo highlighted the importance of establishing and solidifying relations, towards a global community with a shared future.
“The year 2021 is of special significance to our two countries. Seychelles will celebrate its 45th anniversary of Independence while China will commemorate the centenary of the Communist Party of China. Standing at a new historical starting point, we are ready to join efforts with Seychelles to deepen political mutual trust, maintain close coordination on green development, blue economy and people’s livelihood, so as to take our relations to a new level and build a community with a shared future for both sides,” Ambassador Guo stated.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Sylvestre Radegonde conveyed on behalf of President Ramkalawan and the people of Seychelles a message of congratulations to His Excellency President XI Jinping, the government and people of China on the momentous occasion, also expressing gratitude on behalf of the people of Seychelles for China’s support and cooperation over the years, all of which has contributed significantly to the socio-economic development, to the well-being and health of the people of Seychelles.
“In the past four and a half decades, the China-Seychelles relationship has witnessed tremendous progress, marked by fruitful cooperation in a wide array of sectors and close people-to-people ties. The partnership between our two countries is a privileged one. A valued one. It works! And it has withstood the test of time because there is mutual trust and respect between us,” the minister said.
“I am heartened that amid the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, China has extended assistance to Seychelles in our moment of need and showcased the true spirit of Chinese generosity and friendship. I would like to take this opportunity to thank China for the recent donation of 25,000 Sinopharm vaccines. China has again, without hesitation, responded to our appeal,” Minister Radegonde stated.
Elaborating further, Minister Radegonde attributed the strong and sincere cooperation between the two China and Seychelles to sincere friendship and solidarity, and which aims to be of service to the people of both territories.
“Similarly to you, Madam ambassador, I am convinced that the friendship and cooperation between our two States and their government, develops based on the quality of these relationships. It must therefore be preserved, cultivated, consolidated and reinforced, as we share the same vision of a world founded on universal values of friendship, solidarity, peace and harmony between nations. As we usher in 45 years of friendship between our two countries, I am fully confident that our bilateral relations will continue to grow and flourish even as they adapt to new realities,” Minister Radegonde added.
In honour of the occasion, Ambassador Guo presented to each delegate an array of souvenirs and keepsakes, namely umbrellas, mugs and canvas bags, designed and branded especially for the occasion. A specially designed t-shirt was also distributed, bearing Creole motifs and artworks created by artist Georges Camille, in collaboration with Chinese designers.
Over the years, China has assisted Seychelles with major capital investment projects including the National Assembly building, Palais de Justice, the Anse Royale Hospital, and housing projects in Corgate Estate, among others. Seychelles also benefits from other forms of assistance from the government of the People’s Republic of China.
Laura Pillay
Photos by Thomas Meriton
