China
2021.01.10 01:20 GMT+8

All countries, large or small, are equal: Chinese FM says in Seychelles

Updated 2021.01.10 17:43 GMT+8
CGTN

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) speaks to Seychellois Foreign Minister Sylvestre Radegonde in Victoria, capital of Seychelles, January 9, 2021. /Chinese Foreign Ministry

Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday that China's diplomacy has always adhered to the principle that all countries, large or small, are equal and that China-Seychelles relations are a model in this regard.

Wang made the remarks during talks with his Seychelles counterpart Sylvestre Radegonde.

Wang said China has always advocated multilateralism, opposed power politics, promoted democratization in international relations, and supported the United Nations to play its due role in international affairs.

Wang said that big countries should take the lead in abiding by the basic norms of international relations, not interfering in other countries' internal affairs, helping small and medium-sized developing countries, and assuming their international responsibilities in dealing with climate change and promoting sustainable development.

As the largest developing country, China is willing to fulfill its international obligations, said Wang. China's development is a growing force for peace, justice, and other developing countries, he said.

Wang said that China supports Seychelles, as an equal member of the international community, to play a more active role in international affairs and is willing to work with the country to safeguard world peace, stability, and prosperity.

On his part, Radegonde spoke highly of China's adherence to the principle of equality between large and small countries. He appreciated China's efforts to safeguard the interests of small and medium-sized countries and developing countries. He also said he appreciated China always standing with developing countries in international affairs.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (2nd L) meets with Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan, January 9, 2021. /Chinese Foreign Ministry

Wang also met with Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan on Saturday, during which he praised China's close ties with Seychelles, calling it an important member of the big family of China-Africa solidarity and cooperation, and a country that has long been friends with China.

Noting that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Seychelles, Wang said the two countries have always treated each other as equals and achieved fruitful results in practical cooperation, setting a good example of sincerity, friendship, mutual benefit and win-win outcomes between big and small countries.

China firmly supports Seychelles in taking a development path suited to its national conditions and in the governance efforts of the new Seychelles government, he said.

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"We believe that Seychelles will also continue to support China on issues concerning China's core interests. We are ready to take the opportunity of jointly building the Belt and Road and implementing the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit to take our cooperation to a new level and build a community with a shared future for both sides in light of the economic and social development needs of Seychelles," said Wang.

Wang said that China is willing to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with Seychelles in three areas: green environmental protection, blue ocean and tourism.

China fully understands the urgent desire of small island countries to cope with climate change. The two sides will sign the implementation agreement on the construction of low-carbon demonstration zones in South-South cooperation, he said.

(With input from Xinhua)

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