On the afternoon of September 2, 2024, President Xi Jinping met with President of Seychelles Wavel Ramkalawan, who is in China for the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The two heads of state announced the elevation of the China-Seychelles relationship to a strategic partnership.
Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Seychelles are located at the two ends of the vast ocean, and have established a strong friendship across mountains and seas through friendly exchanges. China-Seychelles relations are a model of sincere friendship, equality, mutual assistance, and win-win cooperation between countries of different sizes. The two countries should continue to prioritize supporting each other's core interests and major concerns, and adhere to strategic mutual trust, common development, common security, and traditional friendship. Seychelles is welcome to continue participating in the China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation, accelerate the sustainable development of marine resources, and translate the potential of its blue economy into a driving force for development. China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Seychelles in emergency response and disaster prevention and mitigation, supports the country in combating piracy and other illegal activities, supports the opening of direct flights between China and Seychelles, and encourages two-way tourism between the two countries. More excellent Seychelles students are welcome to study in China and carry forward the friendly cause between the two countries.
Xi Jinping emphasized that China-Africa cooperation adheres to mutual benefit and win-win results, keeps pace with the times, and always takes the lead in international cooperation with Africa. FOCAC has driven remarkable achievements in China-Africa cooperation since its establishment 24 years ago. China is ready to work with Seychelles and other parties to ensure the success of this summit and push for more golden fruits of China-Africa cooperation.
Wavel Ramkalawan said the friendship between Seychelles and China is based on mutual respect, mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, and bilateral relations have always maintained sound development. He thanked China for providing various valuable assistance to Seychelles. Thanks to Chinese vaccines, Seychelles has quickly overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed economic and social development. Seychelles admires President Xi Jinping's extraordinary vision and major initiatives, and is willing to continue to firmly support each other and be true friends with China. Seychelles firmly pursues the one-China policy and supports China in achieving national reunification. Seychelles is willing to deepen exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields and enhance international collaboration. Wavel Ramkalawan looks forward to the opening of direct flights from Chengdu to Seychelles to further promote the friendship between the two countries, and welcomes the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy hospital ship "Peace Ark" to visit Seychelles again. He wishes the FOCAC Beijing Summit a complete success.
During the summit, China and Seychelles will sign a number of bilateral cooperation documents, including those related to Belt and Road cooperation plans and sub-national cooperation.
Wang Yi was present at the meeting.
