Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji said Monday that the relations between China and Fiji will be improved continuously as long as the two sides observe the principles of international relations and the communiqu? on the establishment of Sino-Fijian diplomatic ties.
Zhu extended a welcome to Laisenia Qarase, prime minister of the Republic of the Fiji Islands, who chose China as the first country to visit after he became Fijian prime minister.
Zhu said that Fiji was the first South Pacific island country to forge diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China, and Sino-Fijian relations have maintained a good momentum for development.
The two countries have cooperated fruitfully in the economic and trade, military and cultural fields, as well as in dealing with international affairs, Zhu added.
He said that there is more room for economic and trade cooperation between China and Fiji, as the two countries are complementary in this regard. Moreover, China's entry into the World Trade Organization will offer more opportunities for Sino-Fijian cooperation.
Zhu noted that China is ready to explore more areas for Sino-Fijian cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, equal treatment and promoting understanding and trust, so as to push forward the relations between the two countries in a long-term, stable and healthy way.
He expressed appreciation for the reiteration of the Fijian government on its adherence to the "one-China" policy, adding that he hoped that Fiji would continue to observe the "one-China" principle to ensure the smooth development of bilateral ties.
Fiji appreciates China's role in peace & development
Laisenia Qarase expressed appreciation for the achievements China has made in its modernization drive.
He said that China, as a key member of the international community and a member of the Security Council of the United Nations, has played a constructive role in safeguarding peace and development, and Fiji appreciated this.
He thanked China for its aid to Fiji, and said that Fiji highly values its relations with China.
He also expressed gratitude for China's understanding of Fiji's political vicissitudes, praising China for its adherence to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.
He reaffirmed that Fiji will continue to adhere to the "one-China" policy.
Laisenia Qarase invited Zhu to visit Fiji, and Zhu accepted the invitation.
After the talks, Zhu and Laisenia Qarase signed a joint statement on consolidating and promoting friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries, as well as four other documents on fisheries, education and public health.
(Xinhua News Agency May 28, 2002)
