China and Seychelles have signed an agreement on economic and technical cooperation which will make US $6 million available as supplementary help under the China-Africa Cooperation programme.

The signing took place at State House yesterday morning following bilateral talks between a high-level Chinese delegation headed by the state councillor of the People’s Republic of China, Dai Bingguo, and the cabinet of ministers headed by President James Michel.

Mr Dai and his team were accompanied to State House by the Chinese ambassador to Seychelles Wang Weiguo.
The accord was signed for the Chinese government by Fu Ziying, Vice-Minister of Commerce, and for Seychelles by Jean-Paul Adam, Minister for Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, President Michel and Mr Dai mapped out ways in which Seychelles and China can continue to strengthen their already exemplary cooperation.

"Seychelles-China relations are unbreakable because they are based on mutual commitment to continue to invest in our peoples and in our special relationship which binds our peoples. We are indeed grateful to China for its determination to assist Seychelles," said President Michel.

President Michel also discussed anti-piracy initiatives with Mr Dai, and the Chinese State Councillor reiterated the readiness of the Chinese government to strengthen anti-piracy cooperation.

Speaking to the media after signing the agreement, Mr Adam said talks leading to the agreement were held during Mr Michel’s recent visit to the Shanghai World Expo, where he met Chinese President Hu Jintao.

It was agreed then that Seychelles would receive US $6 million as supplementary help to carry out projects agreed on by both parties.

Mr Adam highlighted the fact that Seychelles has received much financial help from the Chinese government, which has gone towards projects such as housing, education and, more recently, the new parliament building.

Some of the projects to be carried out with part of the money will be a new building for the judiciary and renovation of the swimming pool at Roche Caïman for the Indian Ocean Island Games to be held here next year.

He said other possible projects will be discussed with the Chinese government, among them housing development and electricity generation.

Mr Adam also said that during the talks China agreed to transform a large part of Seychelles’ debts into grants. This will allow Seychelles to carry out a water project and take delivery of a plane for maritime surveillance.

Meanwhile, China has again stressed its support for Seychelles in its fight against piracy. The two countries are now working together in this field, and Mr Dai announced yesterday that military cooperation will be worth up to US $10 million.

“This shows that our relationship with China is a strong one which reflects the priorities of both countries,” said Mr Adam.

Mr Dai and his delegation arrived in Seychelles on Tuesday evening from Zambia after an African tour that also took him to Ethiopia, Algeria, Equatorial Guinea and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Chinese delegation was met on arrival at the airport by Vice-President Danny Faure. Also present were Minister for Social Development and Culture Bernard Shamlaye, Minister for Investment, Natural Resources and Industry Peter Sinon, and principal secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maurice Loustau-Lalanne.

Following the signing of the agreement and an exchange of gifts at State House yesterday, Mr Dai and his team headed to the National Assembly on Ile Du Port, where they were met by deputy speaker Wilby Lucas. They were then taken on a tour of the new building by the clerk to the assembly, Veronique Bresson.

The Chinese delegation left the country yesterday evening.

Forrás:http://www.nation.sc/