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China and Seychelles celebrate 40 years of Independence and the establishment of diplomatic ties in Beijing

On the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the Independence of Seychelles and forty years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Seychelles and the People's Republic China, a reception was organised on 29th June by the Embassy of Seychelles in Beijing with the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC). China was one of the first countries to formally establish diplomatic ties with Seychelles following independence.

As Guests of Honour from the Chinese and Seychelles sides at the reception were Mr. Zhou Xiaochuan, Vice-Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Ambassador Maurice Loustau-Lalanne, Secretary of State of Seychelles, respectively.

Mr. Zhou Xiaochuan is also the Governor of the People’s Bank of China (Central Bank of China).

When addressing the 200 guests including, Chinese government officials, representatives of the diplomatic community in Beijing, Seychellois students in Beijing and various business representatives, Ms. Vivianne Fock Tave, Seychelles Ambassador based in Beijing, highlighted that when Seychelles took the brave step in embracing independence 40 years ago, it was to be the dawn of a new era, full of hope and the enthusiasm of a people to build a prosperous and unified nation for themselves.

“National Day celebration is a time for all us, as a nation, to unite and to celebrate everything that makes us what we are. It is a time to renew our personal vows to our country, to double our contributions for its progress and prosperity. It is also a period for reflection, a time of thanksgiving and a time of hope. We have been blessed in more ways than one in our small corner of the world and we should all be thankful for that. So let us keep our beloved Seychelles blessed for our future generations,” remarked the Seychelles Ambassador.

Ambassador Fock Tave also reiterated the sincere appreciation of the Government and the people of Seychelles for all the valuable support and assistance that China has provided to the development of Seychelles. “The socio-economic development of Seychelles would not have been possible without the assistance of our key international partners and China’s role, as a bilateral partner, has been of paramount importance for our development as a nation. China is Seychelles’ true partner and steadfast friend and this feeling is strongly and warmly reciprocated by Seychelles and its people,” added Ambassador Fock Tave.

Ms. LIN Yi, the Vice President of the CPAFFC, pointed out that as a real friend of Seychelles, China has always stood by Seychelles in its endeavour to develop the country’s economy and improve the livelihood of the Seychellois people. “In the past 40 years, China and Seychelles, through their joint efforts, have maintained a healthy and fast-growing relationship, which could be regarded as a model for all countries, big or small,” remarked the Vice President of the CPAFFC. She added that the presence of the Secretary of State of Seychelles, Ambassador Maurice Loustau-Lalanne, to the celebration demonstrates the great attention and importance that the Seychelles government pays to the bilateral relations of the two countries.

The CPAFFC is a national people’s organization of China engaged in people-to people diplomacy. The aims of the Association are to enhance people’s friendship and further international cooperation, among others.

During the reception, Secretary of State Maurice Loustau-Lalanne presented a coco-de-mer to Mr. Zhou Xiaochuan. The Chinese side presented a commemorative envelope to Secretary of State Maurice Loustau-Lalanne, honouring the longstanding ties of friendship and excellent bilateral relations between the two countries. 

Distributed by APO on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Seychelles.