Acting Prime Minister meets with director of the peace corps, Ms Carol Spahn
14/08/2024
PM Rabuka commends China’s poverty alleviation and rural revitalisation program
15/08/2024Published On: 15/08/2024
The Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Lesikimacuata Korovavala, received a courtesy call from the Peking University in China that was led by the Deputy Dean of the School of Economics, Professor Qin Xuezheng. The group is touring the Pacific to explore ways to strengthen the Fiji-China relations.
Dr. Korovavala welcomed Professor Xuezheng and his delegation, expressing gratitude for their interest in expanding cooperation with Fiji. He underscored Fiji’s commitment to engage in meaningful partnerships that contribute to mutual growth and development.
During the meeting, Dr. Korovavala and Professor Xuezheng discussed potential areas of development cooperation, focusing on sectors such as education, health, environment, trade, agriculture, ocean and fishing.
The group saw big power competition a concern and enquired how Pacific Island countries (PIC) are managing this. Dr Korovavala underscored the principles of sovereign independence, international law, and that Fiji values its freedom to make its own choice.
Recognising that relationships are integral to any cooperation; soft power was discussed as a key tool in a country’s diplomatic capability. A closer look at values, customs, traditions and sports highlighted areas of commonality with potential for the future.
The discussion also focused on regional frameworks, the Pacific Way, the Blue Pacific Continent and the ways Fiji expresses itself within Oceania and beyond. Dr Korovavala underscored the role peace plays in maintaining regional cohesion and order and why PIC and those from outside the region need to respect and comply under the Ocean of Peace concept.
Additionally, Professor Xuezheng reaffirmed China’s commitment to further deepen its relations with Fiji, reinforcing the shared goals of advancing economic and social progress through collaborative efforts.
The Peking University has six faculties namely Humanities, Social Sciences, Economics and Management, Science, Information Technology and Engineering, as well as Health Science. It consists of 55 schools and departments, 60 research entities, and ten affiliated hospitals.
