Building Stronger Ties Between China and Seychelles
Chinese President Xi Jinping recently met with President of Seychelles Wavel Ramkalawan in Beijing during the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. The two leaders announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, emphasizing the importance of strategic mutual trust, common development, common security, and traditional friendship between the two countries.
President Xi highlighted the exemplary nature of China-Seychelles relations, showcasing sincerity, friendship, equality, mutual benefit, and win-win outcomes. He expressed the need for continued support on issues concerning core interests and major concerns of both nations. Additionally, Xi welcomed Seychelles’ participation in the China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation to accelerate sustainable development and harness the potential of its blue economy.
Moreover, President Xi extended China’s cooperation in emergency response, disaster prevention and reduction, and combatting illegal activities such as piracy in Seychelles. The proposal to launch direct flights between the two countries aims to boost tourism and facilitate cultural exchange. China also looks forward to welcoming more Seychellois students to study in China, fostering academic and people-to-people ties between the nations.
Enhancing China-Africa Cooperation
President Xi emphasized the significance of China-Africa cooperation, positioning it as a cornerstone of international engagement with Africa. He pledged to collaborate with Seychelles to further enhance the outcomes of China-Africa cooperation, ensuring mutual benefit and win-win results for all parties involved.
President Ramkalawan affirmed Seychelles’ commitment to upholding mutual support with China, emphasizing the importance of being true friends to each other. Seychelles reiterated its adherence to the one-China policy and pledged support for China’s national reunification efforts. The nation expressed its dedication to deepening exchanges and cooperation with China across various sectors while maintaining close international collaboration.
During the summit, China and Seychelles are set to sign multiple bilateral cooperation agreements, focusing on areas such as Belt and Road cooperation and sub-national collaboration. These agreements aim to strengthen ties and foster mutual development between the two nations, paving the way for sustainable growth and prosperity.
Exploring Opportunities for Growth and Development
The meeting between President Xi and President Ramkalawan marked a pivotal moment in the relationship between China and Seychelles, highlighting the shared commitment to common development and security. Both leaders underscored the importance of building strong ties based on mutual respect, trust, and cooperation to navigate global challenges and seize opportunities for growth and development.
President Xi’s call for upholding strategic mutual trust and traditional friendship resonated with President Ramkalawan, who acknowledged the long-standing partnership between China and Seychelles. The elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership signifies a deeper commitment to advancing common goals and interests, fostering a more robust and resilient relationship between the two countries.
As China and Seychelles embark on a new chapter of cooperation, the focus remains on leveraging each other’s strengths and resources to drive sustainable development and prosperity. By prioritizing mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, both nations are poised to unlock new opportunities for economic growth, social progress, and cultural exchange, enriching the lives of their citizens and contributing to global peace and stability.
