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, with mutual support on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns, and fruitful cooperation in areas such as infrastructure and green development. 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 look forward to working 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 our two countries to new heights, bringing greater benefits to our peoples.

China

China is one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, with a recorded history spanning over four millennia. It is renowned for its profound cultural heritage, including inventions like paper, gunpowder, and the compass, which have had a lasting global impact. Today, it is a vast nation blending ancient traditions such as Confucianism and calligraphy with rapid modernization and global influence.

Seychelles

The Seychelles is an archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean, first settled by the French in the 18th century before coming under British rule until its independence in 1976. Renowned for its pristine beaches, giant tortoises, and unique biodiversity, its culture is a vibrant blend of African, Asian, and European influences. The Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a preserved prehistoric forest often called the “Garden of Eden.”

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 Sino-African relations. First held in 2006, the summit is a platform where Chinese and African leaders meet to discuss and launch new cooperative initiatives, often focusing on trade, investment, and infrastructure development. These summits have been pivotal in announcing significant funding packages and strategic partnerships between China and African nations.