The State Councilor of the People’s Republic of China, HE Dai Bingguo, has praised Seychelles efforts in developing a harmonious society based on equality and social cohesion.

In the meeting with President James Michel today, the two leaders mapped out ways in which Seychelles and China can continue to strengthen their already exemplary cooperation.

“Seychelles-China relations are unbreakable because they are based on mutual commitment to continue to invest in our peoples and in our special relationship which binds our peoples. We are indeed grateful to China for its determination to assist Seychelles,” said President James Michel.

President Michel also discussed anti-piracy initiatives with Mr. Bingguo, and the Chinese State Councillor reiterated the readiness of the Chinese government to strengthen anti-piracy cooperation.

State Councilor Bingguo announced that China would give Seychelles a military grant worth 10 million RMB, under a military cooperation agreement which Seychelles has with China aimed at boosting anti-piracy operations.

Following the high-level meeting, President Michel and State Councillor Bingguo witnessed the signing of a aTechnical and Economic Cooperation agreement. The agreement was signed by Seychelles Minister for Foreign Affairs Jean-Paul Adam and the Chinese Vice-Minister for Commerce Fu Ziying. In this agreement, China has agreed to provide US$6 million worth of assistance for mutually-agreed projects.

This aid would partially be used for building a new judiciary complex and also for renovating the Roche Caiman swimming pool in time for the Indian Ocean Games in August 2011.

In addition, Minster Adam announced that the Seychelles government is continuing discussions with China for upcoming housing projects at the district level.