China, Fiji look to expand win-win cooperation

World
Europe

01:35

China and Fiji pledged on Tuesday to further strengthen all-round practical cooperation between the two countries.

The pledge came as Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met separately with Fijian President Jioji Konrote, and its Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

During his meeting with President Jioji Konrote, Wang said China, as a developing country, will always stand by other developing countries as well as small and medium-sized countries.

The China-Fiji relations have witnessed rapid development since they established strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development four years ago, Wang noted, adding that China sees and develops its ties with Fiji from a strategic and long-term point of view.

China's support and assistance for Fiji have no political strings attached, and is not intended for pursuing selfish interests, nor is it targeting any third party, Wang stressed.

China is willing to share its experience of state governance with Fiji, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, assist Fiji's development and jointly safeguard the legitimate rights of developing countries, he added.

Konrote said Fiji cherishes the strategic partnership with China. He thanked the Chinese side for offering assistance in bridge construction, infrastructure, agriculture, and education, which has brought tangible benefits for the Fijian people.

Fiji is willing to learn from China's development experience and enhance mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries, he said.

While meeting with Fijian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, Wang said China-Fiji friendship has withstood the test of changes in the international arena.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) meets with Fijian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Voreqe Bainimarama (R) in Suva, Fiji, October 30, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

China and Fiji not only always treat each other on an equal footing, but also respect, understand and support each other, he said, adding that China firmly supports Fiji in pursuing a development path that suits its national conditions and enjoys the support of its people.

China-Fiji cooperation belongs to the South-South cooperation and mutual assistance between friends and brothers, he added.

Noting that China attaches importance to Fiji's role in the South Pacific island countries, Wang said China stands ready to step up all-round practical cooperation with Fiji and align the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative with Fiji's 20-year National Development Plan.

He called on the two sides to start negotiations on free trade agreement at an early date so as to uphold multilateralism and free trade through concrete actions.

Wang welcomed Fiji's participation in the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) which is slated to kick off next Monday.

Bainimarama said that over the past 43 years since the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Fiji and China, the bilateral relations have enjoyed fast development with booming friendly exchanges and mutual cooperation in trade, investment, and sports.

While reaffirming Fiji's adherence to the one-China policy, he spoke highly of the Belt and Road Initiative and viewed it as a crucial step towards the future of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

Fiji will firmly support and actively take part in the Belt and Road cooperation, he added.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency