The National Assembly of Seychelles hosted a high-level delegation from the People’s Republic of China led by Mr. Cai Dafeng, Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress currently on an official visit to Seychelles from 3rd to 5th June 2024. The Speaker met with Mr Dafeng and delegation accompanied by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Gervais Henrie, the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Sebastien Pillay, Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bernard Georges, Chairperson of the International Affairs Committee, Hon. Waven William, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Mrs. Tania Isaac and Deputy Clerk, Ms. Alexandria Faure.
The Speaker warmly welcomed Mr Dafeng and the delegation to Seychelles highlighting the long-standing relationship between the two countries and between the Parliaments. “Although you are among the largest countries in the world and we are among the smallest, it is reassuring that we can meet as equal partners, sharing a long friendship based on shared values” explained the Speaker in his opening remarks to the meeting. Mr. Dafeng remarked on the warm welcome and hospitality received during the official visit and congratulated Seychelles on its progress in national development. The Deputy Speaker and the Leaders present further noted the deep connections of the 48 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries and highlighted the major contributions by the Chinese government in regard to social housing, the building of the SBC House, the National Assembly and the Judiciary as symbols of the strong cooperation that exists.
The Leaders of the National Assembly expressed their desire for a lasting mutual relationship between the two countries with Seychelles’ contribution to China being equally robust. Overall the meeting was fruitful with the announcement of the China-Seychelles Friendship group notably chaired by the Leader of the Opposition with bi-partisan membership that would further strengthen the relationship between the two National Parliaments. The Speaker and Mr. Dafeng exchanged tokens of appreciation before the meeting concluded and the delegation had a tour of the Chamber.
Mr. Dafeng was accompanied by Hon. Mr Xu Dazhe, Vice Chairman of the Education, Science, Culture and Public Health Committee, Hon. Mr. Xu Ganlu, Vice-Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Hon. Mr. Li Yong, Vice-Chairman of the Social Development Committee, the Ambassador to Seychelles H.E Mrs. Lin Nan and civil servants.
