The third Seychelles China Day is on the way.

The event, which marks our Chinese origins and celebrates the ties of friendship between the two countries, was launched yesterday evening by the Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St Ange, during a ceremony at the Eden Bleu Hotel.

The ceremony was attended by former President James Mancham, Designated Minister Vincent Meriton, other ministers, Chinese chargé d’affaires Zhang Xiangyang and other members of the diplomatic corps, members of the Chinese community as well as other local guests.

Minister St Ange said that the Seychelles China Day not only rallies the Chinese community, but also brings camaraderie among the whole Seychellois nation.

He remarked that Seychelles is a strong country because we recognise all of our four origins – European, African, Indian and Chinese.

The Chinese community, he added, is a very strong and united one, and he expressed hope that it will become stronger in this unity.

Mr St Ange recalled that the first president of Seychelles – Sir James Mancham - is of Chinese origin, just as the country’s first archbishop, French Chang-Him.

“This has surely rendered the Chinese community proud,” he remarked.

The Tourism and Culture Minister announced that as from next year, Seychelles China Day will be recognised as a Chinese event and will appear on the Chinese cultural calendar. This is an important step, he concluded, as a Chinese event will be celebrated in one of the smallest countries having diplomatic relations with China.

Chargé d’affaires Xiangyang wished all Chinese and Seychellois alike a happy Spring Festival, the Chinese New year which this time around is the year of the monkey.

He reminded that our two countries have been enjoying ties of friendship for the last 150 years, since the arrival of the first Chinese settlers, and that the good relations have brought tangible benefit for the Seychellois people.

Noting that the relations are taking a new dimension with more exchanges, the chargé d’affaires ensured that Chinese continued economic growth will continue to benefit Seychelles.

As the monkey represents intelligence and agility, he expressed confidence that 2016 will be a year of success for both countries.  

He thanked the Ministry of Culture, the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) and the local Chinese Association and community for the success of Seychelles China Day.

The chairman of the Seychelles China Association Charlie Ng Ping Cheun replied by thanking the Chinese and Seychelles governments for supporting the event, adding that it gives the opportunity to witness and celebrate Chinese culture.

The audience had a taste of the culture from the Shanxi Group of the People’s Republic of China and also from the School of Dance and the National Choir.

Seychelles China Day continues today with a performance from the Shanxi Group at 6pm at the International Conference Centre (ICCS).

It ends tomorrow with a Chinese Bazaar in the grounds of the National Library.

Forrás: www.nation.sc