Another milestone achievement was reached by the Fijian Government with the opening of the newest Consulate General Office in Shanghai.
The opening, which was officiated by His Excellency the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, symbolizes the forging of closer ties between Fiji and China who have both enjoyed almost 40 years of bilateral relations.
“The opening of the Fiji Consulate in Shanghai is an exciting development which I firmly believe will serve as a strong platform from which to launch a reinvigorated Fiji-Sino economic relation to even greater heights,” Ratu Epeli said.
Ratu Epeli informed invited guests and Fiji residents present that the opening of the office comes after successful talks between the Fijian Government and the President of the Peoples Republic of China H.E Mr Xi Jinping.
“Our meeting summarily focused on the importance of deepening our bilateral relations now and into the future,” Ratu Epeli said.
During bilateral discussions held with China’s top government official President Xi Jinping, Ratu Epeli also reaffirmed the Fijian Governments commitment towards the “One China Policy,” as a cornerstone of more than 30 years of bilateral relations in addition to ‘Fiji’s Look North Policy.’
“The Look North Policy has been the pillar of Fiji’s foreign policy that recognizes the merits of our shared principles of non-interference in each other’s domestic affairs, respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and the promotion of peace and security.”
He added that the shared principles coupled with the opening of the Shanghai Consulate General Office lays the foundation for strengthened economic relations between the two nations.
“Fiji is confident that its bilateral trade in both goods and services and the sourcing of investments with China will continue to uncover new grounds and consolidate existing ones, as we try to narrow the current gap in our terms of trade and investment flows,” Ratu Epeli added.
The Fiji Consulate Office is headed by Consular General Neumi Leweni and staff members from both the Fiji Embassy in Beijing and Shanghai.
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