Chinese Premier and Fijian PM Highlight Deepening Cooperation in High-Level Talks
Beijing, The Gulf Observer: Chinese Premier Li Qiang held talks with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka, on Sunday, with a focus on elevating bilateral cooperation between the two nations. The meeting, which took place in Beijing, underscored the longstanding and strategic partnership between China and Fiji, the first Pacific island country to establish diplomatic ties with China.
During the talks, Premier Li emphasized China’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Fiji, recognizing the island nation as one of its most important partners in the South Pacific region. He reiterated China’s unwavering support for the development path chosen by the Fijian people and expressed China’s readiness to work closely with Fiji to implement the agreements reached by the leaders of both countries.
Premier Li highlighted the importance of maintaining true friendship based on mutual trust and support, and he called for enhanced exchanges at all levels. He outlined plans to advance the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Fiji, aiming to bring tangible benefits to both nations.
The Premier proposed deepening cooperation in various sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture and fisheries, light industry, education, tourism, and poverty reduction, within the framework of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. He also announced China’s intention to increase imports from Fiji and encouraged Chinese enterprises to invest in the country.
Li further reaffirmed China’s support for the Pacific island countries’ 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and expressed China’s willingness to enhance communication and cooperation with Fiji and other island nations. He emphasized the importance of jointly implementing global initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, and of promoting an equitable, multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization.
Prime Minister Rabuka, in his remarks, affirmed Fiji’s view of China as a reliable partner and reiterated Fiji’s commitment to the one-China principle. He expressed support for the Belt and Road Initiative and other key global initiatives championed by China. Rabuka also voiced his willingness to deepen cooperation with China in areas such as economy and trade, infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and connectivity, with the aim of opening new avenues for bilateral partnership.
Following their discussions, Premier Li and Prime Minister Rabuka witnessed the signing of several cooperation agreements related to trade and infrastructure development, further solidifying the ties between China and Fiji.
