On the morning of Thursday 6th November 2025, a delegation of the Chinese Embassy in Seychelles led by Chargé d’Affaires Mr. Mu Jianfeng, paid a Courtesy Call on the Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Azarel Ernesta. Hon. Ernesta was accompanied by Clerk to the National Assembly Mrs. Tania Isaac.
Counsellor Mu thanked the Honourable Speaker for the opportunity to meet, and presented a congratulatory letter extended by the Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. Hon. Ernesta received the letter with thanks, expressing that her fondness and appreciation for China is longstanding. The time-honoured relations between Seychelles and China have spanned decades and are underpinned by the founding principles of mutual respect, friendship, and a shared determination for economic and social development. Counsellor Mu highlighted that 2026 marks 50 years of established diplomatic relations between the two nations, bringing the union ever closer.
Discussions turned to the developments and infrastructural projects undertaken and overseen by the Chinese Embassy in Seychelles, with current projects including the SBC House at Union Vale and the social housing project aimed at addressing the growing need for affordable housing units nationwide. Mr. Mu then turned discussions to the legislature, noting that multiple high-level delegations had the pleasure of visiting parliament during the 7th National Assembly. Emphasis was placed on the impact of such exchanges in deepening ties, as well as the importance of reviving the Seychelles-China Parliamentary Friendship Group during the 8th Assembly. Speaker Hon. Azarel Ernesta affirmed that all Parliamentary Friendship Groups will be re-established and fully engaged once the Assembly has concluded its initial proceedings and regular operations resume. Hon. Ernesta further emphasized that future engagements between the National Assembly and the Chinese Embassy will be crucial in facilitating the successful implementation of key development and infrastructure initiatives.
The delegation then provided a brief overview of China’s Five-Year Plan (FYP), highlighting its strategic focus on national priorities including economic growth and development, social reform, policy and governance innovation, as well as the country’s approach to bilateral and multilateral relations. Sustained efforts in people-to-people cultural exchanges will continue in Seychelles, forming an integral part of the broader China-Africa cooperation framework.
Counsellor Mu extended his best wishes to the Honourable Speaker for a successful tenure, before the meeting concluded with a souvenir photograph.
