On October 15, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Patrick Herminie on his election as President of the Republic of Seychelles.

Xi Jinping noted that China and Seychelles share a traditional friendship and have supported each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns. Cooperation in areas such as infrastructure and green development has yielded fruitful results. Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Seychelles. I attach great importance to the development of China-Seychelles relations and am willing to work with President-elect Herminie to take the implementation of the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation as an opportunity to continuously elevate the strategic partnership between the two countries to new heights, better benefiting the peoples of both nations.

China

China is one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, with a recorded history spanning over four millennia marked by successive dynasties and influential philosophical traditions like Confucianism. It is renowned for its vast and diverse cultural heritage, including iconic sites such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army. Today, China is a major global power, blending its ancient traditions with rapid modernization and economic growth.

Seychelles

The Seychelles is an archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean, renowned for its pristine beaches and unique biodiversity. Historically uninhabited, the islands were first recorded by the Portuguese in the early 16th century and later became a French colony in the 18th century before coming under British rule. Today, it is an independent republic celebrated for its conservation efforts, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Vallée de Mai.

Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation

The Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is a major diplomatic event that strengthens the partnership between China and African nations. First held in 2006, the summits have historically served as a platform to announce significant Chinese initiatives, such as funding packages and development projects, aimed at boosting cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and other areas. These high-level meetings are pivotal in shaping the strategic and economic ties between China and the African continent.