Model of partnership between one of the smallest and greatest countries in the world

Seychelles and China are set to boost and diversify their long-standing relations of cooperation. This emerged in talks between Seychelles President James A. Michel and the Chinese Vice-President Mr.

Seychelles and China are set to boost and diversify their long-standing relations of cooperation. This emerged in talks between Seychelles President James A. Michel and the Chinese Vice-President Mr. Xi Jiling in China.

Noting that this year marked the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the two leaders stressed the importance that they attach to the further strengthening and diversification of bilateral relations so that they continue to remain a model of South-South cooperation and a model of partnership between one of the smallest and greatest countries in the world.

A wide range of issues was discussed in the meeting between the two leaders. These included climate change and renewable energy, the establishment of air links between the two countries, piracy in the Indian Ocean, and the security of maritime routes.

Noting that China had become a leader in the sector of renewable energy, President Michel called upon Chinese entrepreneurs to use Seychelles as a hub for the transfer of technology to Africa. โ€œThe importance of direct air links between China and Seychelles and onward to Africa cannot be overemphasized,โ€ said the President. โ€œThis will bring more Chinese visitors to our shores and also more business not only to Seychelles but also to Africa,โ€ he said. President Michel called upon Vice President Xi Jiling to consider Seychelles as a bridge linking the two countries to the African mainland.

An issue of great concern to Seychelles and China is the threat of piracy in the Indian Ocean. Both countries have been afflicted by this scourge and need to work together and in tandem with the international community to seek long-term solutions to this problem. โ€œSeychelles is strategically placed to offer China the possibility of raising its visibility and enhancing its action in the region,โ€ said the President. A memorandum of understanding on piracy is to be signed during Mr. Michelโ€™s visit.

As a gesture of its solidarity and friendship with Seychelles, Vice President Xi Jiling announced that the government of the Peopleโ€™s Republic of China had decided to make a grant of Yuan 40 million as well as 10 buses to Seychelles to commemorate President Michelโ€™s visit to China. In addition, China will continue to provide technical assistance, training, and scholarships in diverse fields.

The delegation accompanying the President is holding talks with transport and civil aviation officials, tourism representatives, and business leaders on renewable energy.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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