The Minister for Foreign Affairs Jean-Paul Adam, has signed an agreement for the establishment of a political mechanism aimed at enhancing and further promoting friendly relations and cooperation with the People’s Republic of China in a ceremony held in Beijing yesterday.

The agreement provides for the setting up of a mechanism that will increase coordination and communication between the two foreign ministries on matters of bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest.

The signing took place following a bilateral meeting with the new Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi.

Mr Wang, who was appointed to the post earlier this year, noted that the new Chinese leadership would continue to cherish the partnership with Seychelles.
Minister Adam also met Yang Jiechi, member of the State Council, who is also the former Foreign Minister.

In his opening remarks to both officials, Minister Adam conveyed the condolence and solidarity of President Michel and the government and people of Seychelles following the devastating earthquake that hit the city of Dingxi earlier this week.

In his meetings with both Mr Wang and Mr Yang, Minister Adam, who is on his first official trip to China, discussed existing, as well as new areas of partnership with China such as in marine research and security, aquaculture, a code share agreement and direct air link between the two countries, community based projects, the opening of a new consulate general in Shanghai, extension of cooperation between the Seychelles Broadcasting Cooperation and CCTV, as well as the possible increase of scholarship programmes.

For his part, the Chinese Foreign Minister took the opportunity to reaffirm China’s support in furthering the “all round” cooperation which exists between the two countries, urging Seychelles to submit a five- year plan to the Chinese government to ensure a sustainable footing in the demarche for continued cooperation.

Minister Adam expressed the Seychelles government’s appreciation for the various projects China has successfully implemented over the years, notably China’s assistance in several major infrastructure projects such as the newly opened Palais de Justice and the Anse Royale Hospital, as well as the second phase of the Les Mamelles housing project among others.

Reiterating Seychelles’ appreciation for the historic full visa waiver agreement signed in May this year between the two countries, Minister Adam stated that, “Seychelles is proud to be the first African country to sign a full visa waiver agreement with China. It represents the strength of partnership between our two countries”.

Minister Adam described the signing of the visa waiver agreement as a new chapter in the relations between the two countries.
Describing Seychelles as the “Pearl in the Indian Ocean”, Mr Yang affirmed that while the Seychellois tourists will undoubtedly increase in China, likewise, more Chinese tourists will also be encouraged to travel to Seychelles, adding that China has much to learn from Seychelles in tourism.

During the discussions the two foreign ministers expressed the support of their governments to work together for the common interest of world stability. 
Minister Wang reiterated China’s support to continue developing warm and friendly relations with big and small countries alike in the interest of international security, adding that China will continue to support developing countries like Seychelles.

The Chinese Foreign Minister also praised Seychelles for its bold step in carrying out economic reforms, adding, “without reform it is difficult to have sustainable development”.

Discussions also focused on the expansion of Chinese assistance to Seychelles in maritime cooperation especially in Seychelles efforts against piracy. The Chinese Foreign Minister underscored Seychelles tremendous efforts in combating piracy, noting that Seychelles position as an island nation, occupies an important position in the ocean. To this effect both Seychelles and China agreed in stepping up efforts to work together for the common interest of international peace and security.

Forrás: www.nation.sc