Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has reiterated the robust relationship between Fiji and China, founded on mutual trust, respect for each country’s aspirations, and recognition of each other’s sovereignty. This affirmation followed a meeting between the Prime Minister and President Xi Jinping in Beijing, during which both leaders committed to advancing bilateral relations.
The Prime Minister expressed his admiration for China’s progress and increasingly significant global influence under President Xi’s leadership, acknowledging the strong ties forged over the past 49 years. They discussed enhancing collaboration in various sectors, including infrastructure development, agriculture, fisheries, education, sports, tourism, and poverty alleviation, within the framework of high-quality Belt and Road Cooperation to foster shared development.
As the Prime Minister wrapped up his official visit to China, he extended his gratitude to President Xi and the Chinese government for their warm hospitality, expressing his admiration for China’s transformation over the past three decades under President Xi’s strategy and visionary leadership.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to the One China Principle, which has been essential to their diplomatic relations. He also invited President Xi to visit Fiji, an invitation that President Xi accepted.
In his response, President Xi emphasized China’s commitment to fostering China-Fiji relations and expressed readiness to assist Fiji in its economic and social development. He noted that Fiji was the first Pacific island nation to establish diplomatic relations with China, highlighting the consistent support and cooperation shared over nearly five decades.
During their discussion, President Xi briefed Prime Minister Rabuka about his earlier visit to Yunnan, Fujian, and Zhejiang provinces to observe China’s poverty alleviation efforts. He remarked on the historic achievement of building a moderately prosperous society for over 1.4 billion people, a success attributed to the leadership of the Communist Party of China.
President Xi stated that China aims to become a stronger country and rejuvenate the Chinese nation through a path of peaceful development. He also acknowledged China’s readiness to aid Fiji and other Pacific island nations in tackling climate change and enhancing development cooperation to ensure the Pacific Ocean remains a region of peace, friendship, and collaboration.