His Excellency the President, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu received a courtesy visit from His Excellency Qian Bo, Special Envoy to the Pacific Islands of the Peoples' Republic of China at the State House this morning. [12.12.24]
H.E. President Lalabalavu reiterated that the 'One China Principle' is the cornerstone of the bilateral relationship over the 49 years since 1975 when diplomatic relations were established.
H.E. Qian Bo stated that it is his great honor to meet H.E. President Lalabalavu and to convey the kind regards and best wishes of H.E. President Xi Jinping to H.E. Lalabalavu upon his inauguration as President of the Republic of Fiji. He emphasised that Fiji and China are good partners and their relationship began over 170 years ago with the Chinese diaspora settling in Fiji.
The meeting reaffirmed Fiji and China’s commitment to elevate their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership underpinned by mutual respect and common development.
Discussions focused on the need for the two nations to leverage their strengths to deepen their strategic partnership in the areas of poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, trade and investment, agriculture, fisheries, green and low-carbon development.
His Excellency the President Ratu Naiqama expressed the nation's gratitude to the Special Envoy for China's generous assistance in the construction of the fence at State House and other improvements in recent years. H.E. President Lalabalavu requested H.E. Bo to consider the administrative block and State House and how China may be able to apply its expertise and assistance to preserve the heritage building. The administrative block was transplanted from Levuka, Ovalau to Suva in 1882 by barge when the capital moved to Suva. It is now over 140 years old.
Special Envoy H.E. Qian Bo responded that he would be happy to tour the administrative block to see what assistance could be rendered and that China would view the request positively.
H.E. Bo emphasised that no matter how the international landscape changes, China will continue to be a true friend to Fiji.
H.E. Lalabalavu thanked H.E. Bo for his visit and wished him well on his consultations in Suva.