Shared development with Seychelles stressed

President Xi Jinping underlined on Monday the need for China and Seychelles to prioritize support for each other's core interests and major concerns, and remain committed to strengthening strategic mutual trust, shared development, common security and their traditional friendship.

He made the remarks during his meeting with Seychelles' President Wavel Ramkalawan in Beijing.

Xi welcomed Seychelles' continued participation in the China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation to accelerate sustainable development of marine resources and transform Seychelles' blue economy potential into its developmental momentum.

China is willing to enhance emergency response and disaster reduction cooperation with Seychelles, support it in combating pirates and other illegal activities, and encourage the launch of direct flights between the two countries, Xi said.

He also said that more students from Seychelles are welcome to study in China.

Ramkalawan said the friendship between Seychelles and China is built on mutual respect and mutual benefit. Seychelles firmly adheres to the one-China policy and supports China in achieving national reunification, he added.

The two presidents announced the elevation of China-Seychelles relations to a strategic partnership.