The 45th year of diplomatic relations between Fiji and the People’s Republic of China was commemorated last night by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Suva.
In attendance were the Prime Minister, Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Mr Qian Bo and the officials from the Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.
Speaking at the occasion, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, Immigration and Sugar Industry and Acting Permanent Secretary Foreign Affairs, Mr Yogesh Jitendra Karan said that the friendly relations between Fiji and the People’s Republic of China, reflects on the premise of mutual respect for sovereignty and cooperation.
“As we celebrate 45 years of friendly relations between our two countries, we must also reflect on the premise on which our strong and steadfast relations was forged.
“Fiji has benefitted greatly from our cooperation and partnership with China in various fields including Agriculture, Infrastructure, Defence, Health, Trade & Investment, people to people exchange, Sports, Education and most recently, the provision of medical equipment and supplies to tackle COVID-19.
“China has helped us while you battled your own challenges at home. This is testament to your staunch commitment to Fiji and our common aspirations. China has keenly supported our development and progress including efforts to attain our Sustainable Development Goals,” PS Karan said.
He stated that Fiji welcomes China’s Five-Year Plan for 2021–2025, now being drafted, which may contain concrete measures to help realise climate ambitious targets.
He also reaffirmed Fiji's firm and steadfast commitment towards the One-China Policy.
“Fiji also commends China's foreign policy on the Belt and Road Initiative that is a real game-changer for global development.
“Our relations have indeed endured the test of time, enriched by the reciprocal visits of our Leaders and the continuous high level visits and engagements that strengthen our strategic partnership. This mutual respect and common development is key to win-win cooperation.”
Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Mr Qian Bo commended the China and Fiji relations as being the best in history and it being the model for relations between China and Pacific Island Countries.
“Both countries are strong supporters of multilateralism, UN Peacekeeping operations and tackling of global climate change, playing important and constructive role on the world stage.
“China will scale up its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions by adopting more vigorous policies and measures. Considering Fiji’s signature advocacy for climate action and sustainable development, I firmly believe that China and Fiji can work together to pursue innovative, coordinated, green and open development. China will continue to be the promoter of world peace, contributor to global development and defender of international order.
“China is committed to foster the comprehensive strategic partnership with Fiji featuring mutual respect and common development with the view to enriching the bilateral relations in all aspects, building a better life for our two peoples, in line with the concept of building a community with shared future for mankind,” Ambassador Bo said.