The People’s Republic of China stands ready to work with Fiji to expand the friendly exchanges and promote China and Fiji’s comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level.
The above was conveyed today to the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka, at an introductory courtesy call from the Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) ad interim Mr. Wang Xuguang of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation in the key areas of socioeconomic development.
On behalf of the Government and the people of Fiji, Prime Minister Rabuka conveyed his best wishes to the People’s Republic of China on the occasion of the Chinese New Year 2023- Year of the Rabbit, signifying self-reflection, prosperity and peace.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka thanked the People’s Republic of China for the support they have provided to Fiji, over the years. The contributions of Chinese community towards nation building and improving the economic and social status of Fiji and the Pacific, was also acknowledged.
He said Fiji and China have shared friendly relations over the last 48 years and he reaffirmed the Fiji Government’s support to the “One China Principle”- which is a long-standing international consensus.
Prime Minister Rabuka said Fiji will be guided by the principles of mutual respect and meaningful collaboration to advance the common development priorities.
On regional cooperation, Prime Minister Rabuka outlined the immediate priorities, he will pursue as the new Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum to restore the solidarity of the Forum family. He reasserted Fiji’s commitment to work closely with all the development partners in the fulfilment of the collective vision of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
He thanked Mr. Wang for the discussions they had on strengthening the mutual collaboration between Fiji and China.
In response, Mr. Wang reaffirmed the congratulations from the Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Prime Minister Rabuka on his successful election and reasserted China’s support to strengthen cooperation with Fiji to benefit both nations’.
CDA Wang said that “I firmly believe that under your strong leadership, the Fijian people will make new and greater achievements in the national development and friendship between our two peoples’ will be further strengthened.”
“China and Fiji are good friends’, partners’ and brothers’ who always respect each other and pursue common development. Our friendship stands strong in good times and also challenging times. China appreciates the Fiji Government for adhering to the One-China Principle. China will seek more opportunities to advance the two countries’ cooperation by synergising the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent,” CDA Wang said.
“The Chinese Government also stands ready to do more in many fields such as agriculture, fisheries, poverty reduction and climate response and disaster prevention. This is the vivid reflection of our friendly relations and hope it may help with the economic recovery of Fiji. Through close cooperation, we are determined to bring more tangible benefits to the people of Fiji,” CDA Wang stated
