President Wavel Ramkalawan welcomed Rear Admiral Ying Hongbo and Rear Admiral He Yongming, commanders of the Chinese Navy Hospital Ship Peace Ark, at State House today. The Peace Ark arrived in Port Victoria earlier in the day. Ambassador Lin Nan of the People’s Republic of China to Seychelles was also present for the courtesy call.
 
First and foremost, the President greeted the two Rear Admirals and the entire crew to Seychelles and, on behalf of the country, expressed gratitude for the medical services they have made available to the local community. “I would like to welcome the Chinese Navy Hospital Ship Peace Ark and its crew to Seychelles. I note with great satisfaction, that this is the second visit of the Chinese Navy Hospital Ship Peace Ark to our shores, recalling its last visit nearly fourteen (14) years ago, in October 2010. At this juncture, I would like to acknowledge and commend the Peace Ark team and through you, convey our deepest appreciation to the Government of China, for its continued efforts in providing free medical care to our region during ‘Mission Harmony 2024’. On this occasion, we are further reminded of the spirit of friendship and solidarity which binds Seychelles and China together,” said President Ramkalawan.
 
After the courtesy call, Ambassador Nan, representing the delegation, announced that the Chinese Navy Hospital Ship's goodwill visit to Port Victoria will provide various medical services to Seychellois citizens for one week. Seychelles is the first stop in a tour of 13 African countries as part of 'Mission Harmony 2024'. Ambassador Nan highlighted the ship's arrival as a testament to the strong bilateral relations between Seychelles and China and an opportunity to foster community and a shared future, further deepening the bonds between the two nations.