Nauru’s Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade Lionel Aingimea and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi sign joint communique reaffirming the restoration of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Nauru and the People’s Republic of China (PRC), in Beijing on 24 January.

Minister Aingimea said it is a particular time in history for it restarts the friendly ties between the two governments and people.

“We have a Nauruan saying – a drop a day, creates an ocean in a lifetime. That’s what today signifies, that first drop.

“That in our lifetimes an ocean of strong ties, shared goals of development, peace, security and beneficial priorities for both countries will be created.”

Minister Aingimea expressed Nauru’s admiration that China puts action to its words with the resolve to ensure success of its action.

“That’s a value we admire and therefore we look forward to building an ocean of strong partnerships with the People’s Republic of China premised on the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality, mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence.

“Nauru appreciates the vision of ‘building a community for a shared future of mankind’ as proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping.”

Minister Aingimea says Nauru anticipates creating an ocean that will leave no nation or person behind or out as seen in initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilisation Initiative.

“We believe the cooperation between the two sides will bring new impetus to the sustainable development of Nauru.”

The decision to recognise the PRC was unanimously supported by the Parliament of Nauru with the legislature passing a motion on 16 January to adhere to the United Nations Resolution 2758 which recognises the PRC as the sole legal government representing the whole of China.

President David Adeang announced the Cabinet decision to restore full diplomatic relations with the PRC on local media a day earlier on Monday 15 January; underscoring it is in the best interests of the nation and its people moving forward.

SOURCE: NAURU GOVT/PACNEWS