Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has met with Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China in Beijing Monday.
The historic meeting reaffirmed Fiji and China’s longstanding relationship which has been characterised by shared aspirations and common interests, fostering a comprehensive strategic partnership based on mutual trust and respect.
Upon his arrival at the Great Hall of the People, Prime Minister Rabuka was accorded a 130- member guard of honour comprising men and women of the People’s Liberation Army.
During the meeting, he conveyed the Fiji delegation’s appreciation to the Government of the Republic of China and her people for the warm hospitality accorded to them, stating that the reception has been overwhelming.
PM Rabuka acknowledged the One China Policy which has been the cornerstone of diplomatic relations between the two nations, adding that it was China that stood by Fiji when traditional partners turned away after the events of 1987, 2000 and 2006.
The two leaders discussed priority areas such as poverty alleviation, infrastructure development including land and maritime connectivity, the belt and road initiative and rural revitalisation.
PM Rabuka highlighted that Fiji seeks to implement a comprehensive infrastructure development programme with China that will transform the country’s infrastructure in the years ahead.
In acknowledging the Belt and Road Initiative, he commended China for the assistance by the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), on the upgrade of 82 kilometers of the Vanua Levu road network.
On regional priorities, the PM reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to regionalism through the implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which will leverage our strengths in areas of common challenges such as climate change, preservation of our oceans and conflict resolution.
PM Rabuka acknowledged China’s efforts and support towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through the Global Development Initiative (GDI).
Fiji looks forward to China’s continued support on the need for a reformed multilateralism that creates a more accountable, inclusive, just and equitable international system to address the challenges of the 21st century, including the voice of small developing nations.
Premier Li, in his response, reiterated China’s continued support in areas of common interest, particularly in the poverty alleviation and infrastructure development sectors.
He also emphasised that China will further strengthen its cooperation with Fiji through the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, while actively advancing the Global Development Initiative.
Premier Li thanked the Prime Minister for the opportunity to meet, reaffirming their commitment to elevate China and Fiji’s strong and enduring relationship.
One of China’s top legislator Zhao Leji also met with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on Monday in Beijing.
Noting that Fiji was the first Pacific island country to establish diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China, Zhao, the chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, hailed China-Fiji ties as an example of equal treatment and friendly cooperation between countries large and small.
China is willing to work with Fiji to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, carry forward the traditional friendship, consolidate political mutual trust, continuously expand all-round mutually beneficial cooperation and push forward the China-Fiji comprehensive strategic partnership, Zhao said.
Zhao added that the NPC of China is willing to continue to strengthen exchanges at all levels with the Parliament of Fiji, timely approve relevant legal documents and provide legal guarantees for bilateral cooperation.
Rabuka said the One-China principle is the cornerstone of Fiji-China relations.
Fiji highly appreciates the major initiatives and ideas put forward by China and is willing to strengthen practical cooperation with China in various fields such as trade and poverty reduction, deepen exchanges between legislative bodies and better benefit the two peoples, Rabuka added.
