China-Seychelles bilateral relations


Updated: 2007-01-26 10:00

A. Review of bilateral political relations

Since the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Seychelle sthe friendly cooperation of the two countries has seen a smooth and steady development.

Chinese leaders and officials who visited Seychelles mainly include: Ji Pengfei, Vice-premier of the State Council (September 1980), Chen Muhua, Member of the State Council and concurrently minister of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation (August 1983), Qian Qichen, Vice-premier and Concurrently minister of foreign affairs (January 1996), Li Peng, Premier of the State Council (May 1997)), Ji Peiding, Vice-minister of foreign affairs (March 1999), Tang Jiaxuan, Minister of Foreign Affairs (January 2000), Qiao Zonghuai, Vice-minister of Foreign Affairs (December 2002), etc. In February 2003, Li Ruihuan, Chairman of the NPPCC went over Seychellesby way of transit.

Leaders and officials who visited China from Seychelles mainly include: Albert Rene, President of the Seychelles (May 1978, April 1983, June 1991 and May 1995), James Michel, Vice-president (April 1978, April 1983, April 1994 and May 1998), Ministers of Planning and Foreign Relations, Maxie Ferrari (May 1984) and Danielle De Saint Jorre (August 1990), Patrick Pillay, Minister of the Youth and Culture (December 1998), Ronny Jumeau, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources (May 1999) and Joseph Belmont, Minister of Industry and International Commerce (August 1999), Jeremie Bonnelame, Minister of Foreign Affairs (October 1999), D. Faure, Minister of Education (October 2000). In October 2000, The government delegation of the Seychelles headed by J. Michel, Vice-president came to attend "Beijing Ministerial Meeting 2000 of the Sino-African Cooperation Forum" and afterwards, Jeremie Bonnelame, Foreign minister went to Shenyang for a visit.

B. Bilateral economy and trade relations and economic and technological cooperation

Since the establishment of the diplomatic relations it has seen a favorable development of economy and trade relations and economic and technological cooperation between Chinaand Seychelles. Chinasigned agreements with Seychellesfor economic and technological cooperation for avoiding dual imposition of tax and preventing tax evasion. Starting from 1977, Chinabegan to provide Seychelleswith all kinds of aid and assistance and up to now it has built for Seychellesthe national swimming pool, poly-technical school, MontFleuriMiddle School, housing projects on eastern seashore and at Les Mamelles etc. The mutually beneficial cooperation between Chinaand Seychelleswas started in 1988. For the moment the Chinese companies working in Seychellesmainly include: China Building Engineering Corporation, Shenyang Company for International Economic and Technological Cooperation and so on. In 2002, the trade value between Chinaand Seychellescame to US$ 1.48 million, of which the Chinese export accounted for US$ 1.47 million while the import was only 10,000 in the US dollars.

C. Exchanges and cooperation in the fields of culture, education and medical work

Since the setting up of the diplomatic relations between China and Seychelles the two countries have been carrying out frequent exchanges and visits in the fields of culture, education and medical work. Chinaand Seychellessigned agreement for cultural cooperation on April 29, 1983. After that Chinasent its song and dance, acrobatic and folk music troupes to perform in Seychelles, and also sent sports coaches and music teachers to teach there. Besides, film-show week, national weaving and dyeing, and tapestry display and construction achievements exhibition were conducted there too.

Chinabegan to provide Seychelleswith quota of scholarships in 1984 and up till now, there are 11 students of Seychellesstudying in China. Chinabegan to send its medical teams to work in Seychellesin 1985 and now there are 6 medical personnel working there.

D. Important bilateral agreement

"Joint Communiqu¨¦ on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republicof Seychelles" (June 30, 1976)

(From the website of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China)



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