President Xi calls on China, Seychelles to uphold common development, security

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday met with President of Seychelles Wavel Ramkalawan, calling on the two countries to uphold strategic mutual trust, common development, common security and traditional friendship.

Ramkalawan is in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) this week.

The two presidents jointly announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership during the talks.

Xi said China-Seychelles relations set a good example of sincerity, friendship, equality, mutual benefit and win-win outcomes between large and small countries.

He called on the two countries to continue to give priority to supporting each other on issues involving their respective core interests and major concerns.

Xi said he welcomes Seychelles to continue to participate in the China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation to accelerate the sustainable development of ocean resources and translate the potential of its blue economy into a driving force for development.

China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Seychelles in emergency response, disaster prevention and reduction and support Seychelles in combating illegal activities such as pirating.

The Chinese president also voiced his support for launching direct flights to Seychelles and encouraging more travel between the two countries.

China welcomes more students from Seychelles to study in China and carry forward the two countries' friendship.

Upholding mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, China-Africa cooperation has always been at the forefront of international cooperation with Africa, Xi said, pledging to work with Seychelles to push China-Africa cooperation to yield more results.

Noting that bilateral relations have always maintained sound development, Ramkalawan said Seychelles is willing to continue to uphold mutual support with China and be each other's true friends.

Seychelles adheres to the one-China policy and supports China in realizing national reunification, Ramkalawan said, vowing to deepen exchanges and cooperation in various areas with China and maintain close international collaboration.

During the summit, China and Seychelles will sign several bilateral cooperation agreements in fields such as the Belt and Road cooperation and sub-national cooperation.