March 24, 2011 -- Two new cooperation agreements outlining a 50 million yuan grant and the donation of two aircraft were signed today following bilateral discussions held at State House between a Chinese delegation led by the Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China, Mr. Wang Qishan, and President Michel and a delegation of government Ministers and senior officials.

"I feel proud to state that China has all along been a sincere and understandable partner of Seychelles in its development process.  Only a few days ago, we laid the foundation stone for a new judicial complex and next month, a brand new hospital will be officially handed over to Seychelles.  Recently, we have inaugurated two new schools. Besides which we have sent almost 600 young Seychellois on training in China, and opened a new Parliament building.  And there are many other projects in the pipeline amongst which housing development projects," said President Michel.

The Seychelles Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Paul Adam, signed the Economic and Cooperation Agreement with the Chinese Vice Minister for the Ministry of Commerce, Mr. Fu Ziying, securing the grant and the aircraft which are already earmarked for specific development projects and for Seychelles counter-piracy efforts.

Speaking to the media following the signing, Minister Adam explained that the 50 million yuan being granted to the Seychelles would be committed to the building of a new Glacis school and two housing projects in Les Mamelles and Corgate Estate.

"We have a long history of cooperation with China and it is having strong partners like China that permits us to do things we would otherwise not be able to do without this level of support," said Minister Adam.

The Minister also explained that China had reacted to the needs of Seychelles by providing the government with two Y-12E aircraft, along with all the relevant parts, equipment and necessary training packages, that would be used for surveillance missions in the fight against piracy in the Seychelles Exclusive economic Zone and the wider region.

 

"Seychelles has given China great support in the fight against piracy, particularly during an operation when China was rescuing a pirated ship. We will continue to work together to stop this threat which has affected the Seychelles economy," said Vice Premier Qishan.

While thanking the Chinese government for their continued support of Seychelles President Michel said: "We have to divert much needed resources to combat this evil which is heavily impacting on our tourism and fisheries industries - our livelihood. We are indeed grateful to have friends like China which are helping us in the fight against piracy and to help us keep open and safe at all times the maritime routes between Africa and China."

In the past, the Chinese government have funded several projects including the Au Cap and Baie Lazare schools, Anse Royal hospital, the Seychelles Bureau of Standards building, the new National Assembly building, and more recently, the commencement of the new judicial building complex, among many others.

The bilateral discussions held also included the possibilities for renewable energy projects and other development projects in the areas of health, education and housing.