June 06, 2013

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China: President Xi Jinping Meets with Prime Minister of Fiji Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama

2013/05/29


On May 29, 2013, President Xi Jinping met with Fijian Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama at the Great Hall of the People.
Xi Jinping stressed that it has always been China's consistent stand that all countries, big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, are equal members of the international community and should treat each other with mutual respect and equality. The Chinese side appreciates Fiji's support on issues concerning China's core interests, cherishes the friendship between the two countries, respects the development path the Fijian people chose for their own and will continue to provide assistance o Fiji within the ability.
Xi Jinping hopes that both sides will deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in the fields of agriculture, forestry, fishery, transportation, telecommunications, mineral exploitation, infrastructure construction and tourism, promote people-to-people and youth exchanges and step up coordination and cooperation on multilateral and Pacific Island Countries (PICs) affairs. China supports Fiji's reasonable appeals regarding energy security, climate change and the protection of maritime resources and will join the efforts with Fiji to promote further development of bilateral relations.
Xi Jinping noted that the PICs are important part of the Asia-Pacific region. The Asia-Pacific region cannot achieve development and prosperity as a whole without the development of the PICs. China supports the PICs in taking an equal part in international affairs, enhancing ability of self-development and realizing sustainable growth. China is ready to strengthen communication and cooperation with the PICs including Fiji to promote stability and development of the region.
Bainimarama said that the Fijian people hold sincere friendly feelings towards China. Fiji is the first Pacific island country to establish diplomatic relationship with the People's Republic of China. He is also the first Pacific island state leader to visit China since the new Chinese leadership took office. China has provided invaluable support for economic and social development in Fiji, bringing benefits to local people. Fiji is pushing forward reform and development, and hopes to learn from China's successful experience and to step up cooperation with China.

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