April 16 2011 -- The deputy commander of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy East China Sea Fleet, rear admiral Zhang Huachen, paid a courtesy call on President James Michel at State House on Friday.

Two of the fleet's frigates, Zhoushan and Xuzhou,  were at the same time docked in Port Victoria.

Mr Zhang said his meeting with President Michel was a chance to share information on the Chinese navy anti-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia.

The Chinese navy in December 2008 dispatched the first escort task force to perform anti-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden. Until now eight escort task force have been sent to the area.

"We have provided escort for 3674 merchant vessels from 48 countries and we have guaranteed their security," said the rear admiral.

Mr Zhang noted that Seychelles has also made an outstanding contribution in countering piracy and has worked closely with other countries.

He said the frigates' stop-over in Seychelles will further promote the mutual understanding between the two countries and its people.

During a reception aboard the vessels on Friday, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Jean-Paul Adam, told the rear admiral: "We are proud to offer our port and facilities to whoever wants to use them to ensure the safety and sovereignty of countries of the Indian Ocean."

Minister Adam hailed the military cooperation developing between Seychelles and China, adding that this was very important as without security there can be no development.