The Chinese Ambassador to Seychelles, H.E. Mr. Shi Zhongjun, has paid a farewell call on President James Michel at State House this morning following a three year tenure in Seychelles.

President James Michel thanked Ambassador Zhongjun for his support and commitment in elevating the bilateral relations between Seychelles and the People’s Republic of China. The President reaffirmed Seychelles’ commitment to further strengthen and enhance the existing friendship and cooperation between Seychelles and China.

"You have played a pivotal role in bringing the relations between our two countries forward, and in the process we have together build the friendship, which I should say are exemplary. Everywhere you go around Mahé, people can see the landmarks of our excellent relations, which have in fact increased during the last few years. We would appreciate the continued support from the People’s Republic of China for future projects. Our relations are set to further expand and I am convinced that your successor will build on what we have already achieved with the same dedication as you,” said President Michel.

The President and Ambassador Zhongjun reviewed the various projects and cooperation that China and Seychelles have succeeded in establishing as well as those still being discussed.

Speaking to the local press after the meeting, Ambassador Zhongjun said that he is satisfied with the bilateral relations that exist between China and Seychelles. He thanked the President for his support in bringing bilateral relations between the two countries to a new height. He hoped to see the large projects being undertaken completed and be of good use to Seychelles.

"During my tenure here, bilateral relations between China and Seychelles have strengthened. The understanding and trust between our two countries have further deepened. In the social sector, you many projects have been successfully completed, such as the Seychelles National Assembly, Palais de Justice, the Anse Royale hospital and now we are continuing with the Glacis school. This year, we also witnessed the donation of military patrol vessel built by China. We anticipate many more cooperation projects in the future, especially in the field of tourism. The Blue Economy concept is another area where we would like to assist, since China has all the technology to help Seychelles to develop this concept,” said Mr. Zhongjun.

Also present during the meeting were the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jean-Paul Adam and the President's Diplomatic Adviser, Ambassador Callixte D'Offay.