China Donates Patrol Vessel to Seychelles Coast Guard
THE SEYCHELLES Foreign Minister welcomed the donation of a purpose-built patrol vessel from the People’s Republic of China Ambassador to Seychelles on behalf of China.
Foreign Minister, Jean-Paul Adam, said the patrol vessel will be manned by Seychelles Coast Guard personnel who will work with Chinese experts over several weeks during the commissioning process which will culminate on National Day celebrations in June.
The vessel donation follows on from the official visit to China made by President James Michel in 2011, when he met then vice president, now President Xi Jinping, highlighting the challenges Seychelles met in monitoring the vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The patrol vessel will help the Seychelles to protect the potential of the region's blue economy.
The Ambassador, His Excellency Shi Zhongjun, expressed how Seychelles has been at the forefront in the fight against piracy and appreciation of the efforts Seychelles has made to support maritime security. As a friend of Seychelles, China has a responsibility to assist in the partnership seen here, the Ambassador went on to say. The boat is hoped to expand the capability of the Seychelles to bring peace and stability to the Indian Ocean.
Original source: Seychelles News Agency
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