In a significant move towards deeper international cooperation, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan in Beijing on Monday. The leaders called on both nations to uphold strategic mutual trust, common development, security, and their longstanding friendship.
President Ramkalawan was attending the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) this week, marking a pivotal moment for bilateral relations. During their talks, the two presidents jointly announced the elevation of their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, signaling a commitment to enhanced collaboration.
Xi Jinping highlighted that China-Seychelles relations exemplify sincerity, friendship, equality, mutual benefit, and win-win outcomes between large and small countries. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing support for each other on issues related to their core interests and major concerns.
The Chinese president extended a warm welcome to Seychelles to continue participating in the China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation. He stressed the need to accelerate the sustainable development of ocean resources and harness the potential of Seychelles' blue economy as a driving force for development.
Furthermore, Xi pledged that China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Seychelles in areas such as emergency response, disaster prevention and reduction, and combating illegal activities like piracy. He also voiced support for launching direct flights between the two countries to encourage more travel and cultural exchange.
Educational exchanges were also a key point of discussion, with Xi welcoming more students from Seychelles to study in China, fostering deeper mutual understanding and friendship between the two nations.
Concluding the meeting, Xi reaffirmed China's commitment to China-Africa cooperation, stating that it has always been at the forefront of international cooperation with Africa. He pledged to work closely with Seychelles to ensure that China-Africa cooperation yields even more substantial results.
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Xi calls on China, Seychelles to uphold common development, security
cgtn.com
