Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has praised China’s efforts in rural revitalization during his official visit to the country. This week, while touring the border region of southwest Yunnan Province, Rabuka expressed his hopes for enhanced bilateral cooperation with local leaders on rural development initiatives.
In an interview with CGTN, the Prime Minister shared his admiration for the transformation of a village over the past 32 years, noting that he was Prime Minister of Fiji in 1992, and is in office again today. He highlighted that advancements in Fiji have not matched the improvements seen in the Chinese village. Rabuka extended his congratulations to China’s leaders, both past and present, particularly acknowledging President Xi Jinping for his commitment to poverty alleviation and improving living standards, especially in areas inhabited by minority ethnic groups.
On Tuesday, Rabuka visited Malipo in Yunnan Province, located along the China-Vietnam border. He toured two villages, Ping’anpo and Nanyou, and observed the ongoing rural revitalization efforts, including advancements in agriculture, education, and the preservation of ethnic cultures. Rabuka noted his astonishment at the significant changes these remote villages have experienced in a relatively short period.
Rabuka is currently engaged in a 10-day tour of the People’s Republic of China.