BEIJING — In a significant move to strengthen ties, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with President Wavel Ramkalawan of Seychelles on Monday, announcing the elevation of their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. The meeting took place during the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, highlighting the growing cooperation between the two nations.
President Xi emphasized that China-Seychelles relations serve as a model of sincerity, friendship, equality, mutual benefit, and win-win outcomes between large and small countries. He underscored the importance of upholding strategic mutual trust, common development, common security, and traditional friendship.
President Ramkalawan expressed appreciation for China’s longstanding support and welcomed the deepening of ties. The strategic partnership signifies a commitment to collaborate on issues of core interests and major concerns, fostering a stronger bond between the two countries.
A key focus of the discussions was the sustainable development of ocean resources. President Xi encouraged Seychelles to continue participating in the China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation, aiming to harness the potential of the blue economy as a driving force for development.
Both leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in emergency response, disaster prevention and reduction, and combating illegal activities such as piracy. China expressed readiness to support Seychelles in strengthening its security capabilities.
In efforts to boost tourism and cultural exchange, President Xi voiced support for launching direct flights to Seychelles, facilitating travel between the two nations. Additionally, China welcomes more students from Seychelles to study in China, fostering people-to-people connections and carrying forward the friendship.
President Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to China-Africa cooperation, stating that upholding mutual benefit and win-win outcomes has always been at the forefront of international cooperation with Africa. He pledged to work with Seychelles to achieve more tangible results through the FOCAC framework.
The elevation of China-Seychelles relations to a strategic partnership marks a new chapter in bilateral cooperation, promising enhanced collaboration across various sectors and contributing to regional stability and prosperity.
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Xi calls on China, Seychelles to uphold common development, security
cgtn.com
