STATEMENT BY H.E. WU BANGGUO UPON ARRIVAL AT THE NADI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Ministry of Information
Sep 21|00:24 am
Nadi, September 20, 2012

It is a great pleasure for me to pay an official visit to the Republic of Fiji, a shining pearl in the South Pacific Ocean, at the invitation of Prime Minister Bainimarama. I wish to take this opportunity to convey the heartfelt greetings and best wishes of the Chinese people to the warm and friendly Fiji people.

Although China and Fiji are separated by vast oceans, the hearts of our people are close to each other. Fiji is the first Pacific island country that established diplomatic relations with China. Since our two countries established diplomatic ties in 1975, our relations have, on the whole, been developing smoothly. We enjoy political mutual trust and support, and economic complementarity and common development. We respect and learn from each other on the cultural front, and maintain close communication and coordination on major international and regional issue. To further consolidate and grow Fiji-China relations is not only in the fundamental interests of our two countries and peoples, but also conducive to stability and development of the Asia-Pacific region.

I look forward to having in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and other issues of common interest with President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Prime Minister Bainimarama and other Fiji leaders, and to engaging extensively with Fiji friends from various sectors. I am confident that, with our joint efforts, this visit will cement our friendship, boost mutual trust, expand common ground and deepen cooperation between China and Fiji.

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