China celebrates 60th National Day - Seychelles highly values partnership with China
28.09.2009
Seychelles has again stressed its wish to further pursue and strengthen its political friendship with China and develop the partnership by encouraging more investments in different fields.
Designated Minister Danny Faure said this on Friday evening at the Chinese Embassy at St Louis, to mark China’s 60th national day anniversary.
Present at the ceremony were President James Michel, Chief Justice Frederick Egonda-Ntende, cabinet ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, top civil servants, members of the National Assembly and Chinese nationals.
Addressing the audience Minister Faure said after 30 years of exceptionally good relations based on well understood bilateral interests, the two governments have spared no efforts in further consolidating their existing ties of friendship and cooperation.
He said the presence of 56 young Seychellois national in Chinese universities, the construction of many local projects such as the Baie Lazare school which is to be officially opened very soon and the advanced work in progress on the Au Cap school are among the many support given by China’s government.
He also added the construction of the new National Assembly building to the list and said other projects in the field of electricity, water, transportation and additional infrastructure, vital for the sustainable development of our country are currently in the making and are still being considered.
“The significant contribution of China in our efforts to implement the economic reform programme as well as in the fight against piracy are also significant and worth noting,” he said.
The forthcoming tourism fair to be held in Beijing next month, he added, is another occasion to display the Seychelles to the Chinese people and further the links between the two nations.
He said Seychelles has greatly benefited from China and we place on record our appreciation to the Chinese government for all forms of help provided to us over the years.
Minister Faure said the China-Africa cooperation is a testimony of the commitment of the Chinese government to continue contributing towards the socio-economic development of Africa, which is becoming a rising power and is consolidating its place in the world.
He also conveyed a message of congratulations from President Michel, the government and the people of Seychelles, to the President of the People’s Republic of China Hu Jintao, the government and the people of China on this special day.
He then proposed a toast to the good health and prosperity of President Hu Jintao and to the everlasting friendship and partnership between Seychelles and China.
Chinese Ambassador Wang Weiguo said China’s progress belongs to the world as no nation can develop and progress alone.
He said the Chinese people always highly appreciate the friendship of other countries and that China will through its own development contribute to the development of the world.
“In face of ongoing challenges, so long as we make concerted efforts and forge ahead hand in hand, we can embrace a brighter and better future,” he added.
He said this year China has encountered enormous economic difficulty under the great world financial crisis.
“Like the Seychellois, the Chinese are working hard to alleviate the pressure and reform the national economic structure,” he said.
And Ambassador Weiguo added that he is sure both countries will achieve their projected economic goals.
He also proposed a toast to the health of President Michel, to the prosperity and happiness of China and Seychelles and to the friendship and cooperation that exist between the two countries.