President Xi pledges stronger relations with Fiji

BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping met here on Wednesday with Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, vowing stronger relations and cooperation in agricultural technology and infrastructure.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama in Beijing, capital of China, July 15, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

Xi recalled his state visit to Fiji last year, during which both countries announced a strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development.

Xi hailed the fruitful progress of bilateral relations over the past 40 years, citing frequent exchanges among top leadership and other levels, enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, economy, technology and law enforcement, vigorous local, cultural and military exchanges, and sound coordination in global and regional affairs.

"China respects the development road that the Fijian people chose for their country, supports the Fijian government's efforts in boosting economic and social development and improving people's livelihood, and backs Fiji's reasonable claims in global and regional affairs," Xi said.

Calling this year the start of efforts in comprehensively building a China-Fiji strategic partnership, Xi said China hopes to enhance exchanges with Fiji among governments, parliaments, parties and local governments, and share governance experience.

He pledged to encourage more Chinese companies to invest in Fiji.

Xi said China hopes to keep close coordination with Fiji in multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, and enhance contact on major issues such as the UN Security Council reform, climate change and the Post-2015 Development Agenda.

Bainimarama, in his turn, said Xi's state visit to Fiji last year has upgraded bilateral ties up to a new level. He appreciated China's support for his country over the years.

Calling China an important partner, he expressed his hope to enhance all-round cooperation with China and coordination on major global and regional issues such as countering climate change.

The Fijian prime minister is visiting China from July 14 to 24 at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.