The Chinese navy hospital ship "Peace Ark" will on Wednesday anchor at the port of Victoria for a five-day visit to the Seychelles.

The visit organized by the Chinese Embassy in Victoria in collaboration with the Seychelles Foreign Ministry is a medical mission.

Many Chinese military doctors are on board the ship equipped with modern medical equipment. On the multi-nation service mission, they have treated many African patients suffering from various diseases.

During their stay, the Chinese medical team will exchange ideas with their local colleagues and are expected to participate in a number of activities such as sports and visits to schools.

The commander of the Chinese team will also hold talks with the Indian Ocean island country's Vice-president Danny Faure, Chief of General Staff Leopold Payet and Commander of the Coast Guards Michael Rosette.

The visit by the Peace Ark is a demonstration of the excellent state of relations between China and the Seychelles, officials of both countries say.

This is the first international medical mission by the Chinese armed forces. It began on Aug. 31 and has since brought the ship to Djibouti, Tanzania and Kenya. The ship will be heading to Bangladesh next week.