In a significant move to strengthen ties in the Asia-Pacific region, Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in Beijing on Sunday. The leaders expressed a shared commitment to elevate practical cooperation between their countries to new heights.
Premier Li highlighted Fiji’s status as the first Pacific Island country to establish diplomatic relations with China, emphasizing that China regards Fiji as a crucial partner in the South Pacific. “China is ready to work with Fiji to continue to be each other’s trustworthy friends,” Li stated, underscoring the importance of enhancing exchanges at various levels.
The meeting focused on expanding cooperation in key areas such as infrastructure, agriculture and fisheries, light industry, education, tourism, and poverty reduction. Under the framework of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, both nations aim to leverage their complementary advantages for mutual benefit.
“China is willing to import more high-quality products from Fiji and supports Chinese enterprises in investing and establishing businesses in Fiji,” Li added, signaling opportunities for economic growth and development.
As members of the Global South, the two countries also discussed advocating for an equal and orderly multi-polar world and promoting inclusive economic globalization. Premier Li expressed China’s support for Pacific Island countries in implementing the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Prime Minister Rabuka thanked China for its support during Fiji’s challenging times, reaffirming Fiji’s view of China as a trustworthy partner. “Fiji firmly adheres to the one-China principle and supports the Belt and Road Initiative along with other important initiatives proposed by China,” Rabuka stated. He expressed a willingness to deepen cooperation in economy and trade, infrastructure, tourism, and connectivity.
Rabuka also emphasized Fiji’s readiness to work with China to enhance communication and coordination, aiming to strengthen cooperative relations between Pacific Island countries and China.
Following their discussions, Premier Li and Prime Minister Rabuka witnessed the signing of several bilateral cooperation documents in areas including trade and infrastructure, marking a new chapter in China-Fiji relations.
Reference(s):
Premier Li calls for pushing China-Fiji cooperation to new level
cgtn.com
