Seychelles looks forward to donation of patrol vessel

Chinese promise to deliver water asset

SEYCHELLES: China has committed to donating a new patrol vessel to Seychelles following a visit to the island country by the 45th Chinese Naval Escort Taskforce.

According to the Seychelles News Agency, this was announced during a reception held on board on of the three visiting Chinese naval vessels by Seychelles' Minister for Internal Affairs, Errol Fonseka.

“This donation will add greater efficiency to the Seychelles Coast Guard in combatting and deterring maritime crimes such as piracy, which has seen a worrying resurgence off the coast of Somalia,” he said as he commended the efforts of the People’s Liberation Army Navy within the Gulf of Aden.

“The Navy has been pivotal in safeguarding essential maritime corridors.”

Also speaking at the function, Chinese Ambassador to Seychelles, Lin Nan, noted the importance of deepening the cooperation between the two countries. “The two parties underlined the importance of further deepening cooperation in maritime security, tackling transnational crimes at sea such as the resurgence of piracy, combating drug trafficking and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. I am convinced that we will reap more and more new fruits in the military security and safety in the future,” she said.

The 45th Chinese Naval Escort Task Force left the Seychelles after a four-day visit at the beginning of the week.