President Xi welcomes Nauru to join Belt and Road Initiative, looks to expand cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday said he welcomes Nauru to join the Belt and Road Initiative while meeting with his counterpart from the South Pacific island country David Adeang in Beijing.

In January, Nauru cut ties with the Taiwan authorities and resumed diplomatic relations with China soon after. The visit is the first by the Nauruan president since the resumption of diplomatic ties.

Xi pointed out that Nauru's political decision to adhere to the one-China principle and restore diplomatic ties with China in January is a move that conforms to the trend of history and the times.

"Friendship, whenever it is started, will have a bright future. Cooperation, whatever its size, will be productive as long as it is sincere," Xi said.

Xi said China-Nauru relations have opened a new chapter in history, and China is ready to work with Nauru to create a better future for China-Nauru relations and bring more benefits to the two peoples.

He said China is ready to expand practical cooperation with Nauru in trade, investment and infrastructure construction, and provide assistance to Nauru for its independent and sustainable development without political strings attached.

President Adeang said he's glad to visit China and learn about the country's rich history, splendid culture and vibrant development.

The resumption of ties marks an important milestone for Nauru-China relationship, opening a new chapter for Nauru's national development and relationship with China, he said.

He said he hopes to learn from China's experiences and develop a fruitful and win-win relationship with China.

After the talks, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents in the fields of Belt and Road cooperation, the Global Development Initiative, economic development and agriculture. 

(With input from Xinhua)