Chinese Vice President Meets Fijian FM

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, Fiji's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Civil Aviation and International Co-operation in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 14, 2010. (Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng)

BEIJING, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping met with Minister for Foreign Affairs, international cooperation and civil aviation of Fiji Ratu Inoke Kubuabola here on Thursday.

"The Chinese government always attaches high importance to friendly relations with Fiji," Xi said, adding bilateral relations have witnessed a great development since the establishment of ties 35 years ago.

China has always provided economic and technological assistance to Fiji, while Fiji has given valuable support to China on issues concerning the latter's core interests. The two sides have also coordinated closely on major international and regional issues, Xi said.

Kubuabola said Fiji will continue to adhere to the one-China policy and appreciated China's economic and technological assistance.

Xi also pledged that China would respect the way chosen by the people of Fiji for the country's development and wished Fiji to score new achievements in national construction.

"The Chinese government always has advocated that all countries are equal members of the international community, no matter big or small, rich or poor, strong or weak," he said.

Speaking highly of the importance of China-Fiji relations to the two peoples and stability and development in Asia-Pacific region, both sides vowed to expand bilateral cooperation and promote the development of China-Fiji relations.

Kubuabola was invited by his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi for an official visit from Oct. 11 to 14.

Source: Chinaview