Vice-President Danny Faure, currently on mission to China at the invitation of the Government of the People’s Republic of China, met with his Chinese counterpart, H.E Mr. Li Yuanchao, Vice-President of the People’s Republic of China and Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China-Central Committee, on Friday 24th April 2015, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Vice-President Faure conveyed the warm wishes of President James Michel to President Xi Jinping and expressed the appreciation of the Government and people of Seychelles for the contribution that China has made to the socio-economic development of the country. The Vice-President made mention of several infrastructural projects such as the ‘Palais de la Justice’, the National Assembly building and Primary & Secondary schools, all of which had been accomplished with Chinese help.
Other topics on the agenda were- the increase in the number of Chinese tourists to Seychelles, the need for direct air links to consolidate and also complement this positive trend to sustain the economic development of Seychelles. The Seychelles Vice-President stated “China has always treated us as an equal partner regardless of our geographic size and we have mutual respect for each other.”
The Chinese Vice-President advocated that the relationship between Seychelles and China is a model of relations between large and small Countries. However, he also noted that Seychelles is a large country in terms of its Exclusive Economic Zone and commended Seychelles for promoting the principles of the Blue Economy, where he proposed that the Maritime Silk Route project could be synergized with the Blue Economy concept.
“China appreciates the support from Seychelles in the international arena and China will never forget this.” Vice-President Li Yuanchao expressed. Moreover, China sees Seychelles as a trusted friend, which has resulted in a win-win partnership.
Both sides agreed to push for reforms to the United Nations Security Council to enable a greater representation of African countries. The meeting concluded with the Seychelles Vice-President conveying his wish to welcome his counterpart in Seychelles next year, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Seychelles and China.
The accompanying members of the Seychelles delegation comprised of Mr. Philippe Le Gall, Seychelles Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Mrs. Aude Labaleine, Director General in the Office of the Vice-President, Mr. Olsen Vidot, CEO of Parti Lepep and Mr. Christian Faure from the Seychelles Embassy in Beijing. The Vice-President also met with Mrs. Xu Lyuping, the Vice-President of the International Department of the Communist Party of China, on the same day.