This was said by the Minister for Foreign Affairs Jean-Paul Adam as he addressed guests gathered to mark the People’s Republic of China’s 61st national day anniversary.

Held on Friday evening at the Chinese embassy at St Louis, the ceremony was attended by former president James Mancham, designated minister Vincent Meriton, chief Justice Fredrick Egonda-Ntende, cabinet ministers, former vice-president Joseph Belmont, attorney general Ronny Govinden, as well as high government officials.
 
Minister Adam said the Seychelles-China links recognise the strengths of both parties and allow us to pursue our development goals side by side.

“More than ever, we are convinced that China will continue to develop strongly and in harmony with the world around it.

 Seychelles is exploring more and more avenues for trade and exchanges with China in various sectors,” he said.

“This is also a time of great opportunity for Africa and specifically for Seychelles as we emerge successfully from our reforms.”

Mr Adam spoke of the many excellent results from the Seychelles-China cooperation, such as in the field of education, information technology, construction, housing, electricity, water, transportation and in the fight against piracy.

“We welcome increased visits by Chinese ships in the region, both in the fight against piracy and to further promote exchanges between our peoples,” he said.

‘We look forward to the visit of the Chinese Navy hospital ship “Ark Peace”, whose upcoming visit to Port Victoria will prove fruitful and memorable, as it will provide medical service to the Seychellois people.”

There is also assistance from China to help small islands like Seychelles by providing technology transfer in the renewable energy sector, which is particularly important as it allows small islands to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels  a key factor in our vulnerability.
 
For his part, the Chinese ambassador to Seychelles Weng Weiguo said China’s rapid economic growth has provided development opportunities for other countries, despite being a developing country in the primary stages of socialism and faced with many challenges.
 
“In 2010, the new progress in China-Seychelles relations is remarkable, with President James Michel’s attendance at the opening of the Shanghai world expo and his meeting with President Hu Jintao, being a big boost to the bilateral relationship.”

He added that the exchanges in the area of parliament, tourism, culture, education and sports are frequent and that the Seychellois people have made great strides in their reform and anti-piracy tasks.
 
Minister Adam and Ambassador Weiguo then toasted to the good health of the two countries’ presidents, government and people and wished a continuation and growth of bilateral friendship.

After the speeches, those present were also able to discover and sample a variety of Chinese cuisine as they socialised for the occasion.