Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing, August 20, 2024. /Xinhua
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday met with Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka in Beijing, calling for promoting the building of a China-Fiji community with a shared future to better benefit the two peoples.
Noting that Fiji was the first Pacific island country to establish diplomatic ties with China, President Xi said next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
For nearly half a century, China and Fiji have always supported and helped each other, setting a prime example of equal treatment and friendly relations between large and small countries, Xi said.
China attaches great importance to its relations with Fiji and is willing to continue to assist in Fiji's economic and social development within its capacity, he said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing, August 20, 2024. /Xinhua
Xi also shared China's practices and experiences in poverty alleviation.
More than 1.4 billion people have been living in a moderately prosperous society in all respects, which is China's contribution to human poverty reduction and development, said Xi.
He said China is comprehensively promoting the construction of a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization.
Noting that the two countries are both members of the Global South, Xi said China is willing to assist Fiji and other Pacific island countries in addressing climate change and enhance cooperation to make the Pacific Ocean an ocean of peace, friendship and cooperation.
Mentioning his visits to China's Yunnan, Fujian and Zhejiang provinces, President Rabuka said he has witnessed the miracles and achievements China has made in poverty alleviation and development under the leadership of President Xi.
The Fijian side appreciates China for adhering to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and supports a series of global initiatives proposed by President Xi, he said, vowing to continue to advance Belt and Road cooperation with China and promote the development of relations between Pacific island countries and China.
Rabuka said Fiji understands China's stance on the Taiwan question and pledged to continue to adhere to the one-China policy.
The two sides also issued a joint statement.