Japan and New Zealand collaborate to support Fiji’s education sector
21/08/2024
Presentation of credentials by Fiji’s Roving Ambassador to the Pacific Island countries and territories
22/08/2024Published On: 22/08/2024
Fiji’s Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka met with the President of the Peoples Republic of China, His Excellency Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing yesterday.
The meeting between the two leaders further reaffirmed Fiji and China’s commitment to elevate bilateral relations.
PM Rabuka highlighted that Fiji and China’s strong relationship is built on mutual trust and respect for one another’s aspirations and recognising each nation’s sovereignty.
He expressed his admiration for China’s achievements and growing influence under the leadership of President Xi, highlighting the strong relationship between the two countries, built over the last 49 years.
The two leaders discussed the need for the two nations to leverage their strengths to deepen their ongoing partnership in infrastructure development, agriculture, fisheries, education, sports, tourism, poverty reduction and other areas within the framework of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, in order to promote shared development.
As the Prime Minister concludes his official visit to China, he took the opportunity to thank President Xi and the Government of the Peoples Republic of China for the warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation, adding he is very impressed with how China has transformed in the last thirty years through the President’s strategic, visionary and inspirational leadership.
On behalf of a grateful nation, he acknowledged China’s unwavering commitment in supporting Fiji at its most difficult times.
Further, the Prime Minister reaffirmed our commitment in embracing the One China Principle which has been the cornerstone of our diplomatic relations, one that has transitioned to a comprehensive strategic partnership underpinned by mutual respect and common development.
PM Rabuka expounded on Fiji’s commitment to regionalism through the implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent which will leverage our strengths in areas of common challenges such as climate change, preservation of our oceans and conflict resolution.
He also informed President Xi of his proposal to present the Ocean of Peace Concept to the Pacific Leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Tonga next week.
On multilateral priorities, the Prime Minister recognised China’s support for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through the Global Development Initiative (GDI), which includes the construction and upgrade of the 82km Vanua Levu Road Upgrading Project.
In his closing remarks, Prime Minister Rabuka invited President Xi to visit Fiji, an invitation which he accepted.
President Xi, in his response, said that China attaches great importance to China-Fiji relations and is willing to continue to provide assistance to the best of its ability for Fiji’s economic and social development.
The President of China highlighted that Fiji was the first Pacific island nation to establish diplomatic relations with China, stating that the two countries have consistently supported and assisted one another throughout the 49 years of friendship.
During the meeting, he also briefed PM Rabuka, who earlier visited Yunnan, Fujian and Zhejiang provinces reviewing China’s successes in poverty alleviation.
In this regard, the President mentioned that the completion of the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects for more than 1.4 billion people is a historic achievement the Chinese people have made under the leadership of the Communist Party of China.
President Xi added that China is endeavoring to build itself into a stronger country and rejuvenate the Chinese nation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernization that adheres to a path of peaceful development.
As members of the Global South, President Xi affirmed that China is prepared to assist Fiji and other Pacific island nations in addressing climate change and enhancing development cooperation, with the goal of making the Pacific Ocean a region of peace, friendship, and collaboration.
