In a significant move to bolster regional cooperation, Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in Beijing on Sunday. Premier Li emphasized China's commitment to elevating the China-Fiji partnership, aiming for enhanced practical cooperation that fosters mutual development.
Highlighting Fiji's status as the first Pacific Island nation to establish diplomatic ties with China, Premier Li underscored the importance of Fiji as a key partner in the South Pacific. He expressed China's dedication to maintaining a trustworthy friendship, enhancing multi-level exchanges, and promoting the stable growth of their comprehensive strategic partnership.
Premier Li called for leveraging the complementary strengths of both nations, with a focus on expanding collaboration in infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, light industry, education, tourism, and poverty reduction under the Belt and Road Initiative. China also expressed its willingness to import high-quality Fijian products and support Chinese enterprises investing in Fiji.
Both countries, being members of the Global South, share a common vision for an equitable multi-polar world and inclusive economic globalization. Premier Li reiterated China's support for Pacific Island nations in implementing the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Prime Minister Rabuka expressed gratitude for China's unwavering assistance during challenging times and affirmed Fiji's adherence to the one-China principle. He highlighted Fiji's support for the Belt and Road Initiative and expressed eagerness to deepen cooperation in various sectors, including economy, trade, infrastructure, tourism, and connectivity.
The meeting concluded with the signing of several bilateral cooperation agreements in trade and infrastructure, marking a new chapter in China-Fiji relations and paving the way for expanded collaboration and shared prosperity.
Reference(s):
Premier Li calls for pushing China-Fiji cooperation to new level
cgtn.com
