President Xi Jinping’s special envoy, Gao Yunlong, attended the inauguration ceremony of Seychelles’ newly elected president, Patrick Herminie, on October 26, 2025, in Victoria. Gao, who serves as Vice Chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, was invited by the Seychellois government to represent China at this significant political event. His presence underscored the importance China places on its diplomatic relationship with Seychelles and reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with the island nation.
During the ceremony and subsequent meetings, Gao Yunlong conveyed President Xi’s warm congratulations and best wishes to President Herminie, emphasizing China’s readiness to deepen cooperation across a range of sectors. He highlighted the shared commitment to enhancing strategic collaboration, particularly in areas such as infrastructure development, maritime security, climate resilience, and sustainable tourism. Gao also reiterated China’s intention to implement the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit, aiming to translate high-level dialogue into practical, mutually beneficial initiatives.
President Herminie expressed his gratitude for China’s continued support and conveyed his own greetings to President Xi. He affirmed Seychelles’ interest in expanding its partnership with China, noting the historical strength of their relationship and the potential for future collaboration under frameworks such as the Belt and Road Initiative. The exchange of goodwill and strategic vision between the two leaders’ representatives signaled a shared desire to elevate bilateral relations to new heights.
The attendance of a senior Chinese official at the inauguration reflects China’s broader diplomatic approach to Africa, characterized by high-level engagement and symbolic gestures of respect. It also demonstrates Beijing’s strategic interest in the Indian Ocean region, where Seychelles holds a key geopolitical position. As both nations look ahead, the visit sets the stage for deeper cooperation and reinforces the foundation of trust and mutual respect that has long defined China-Seychelles relations.