On July 15, 2015, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People with Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama of Fiji.
Xi Jinping expressed that I paid a successful state visit to Fiji last year, during which we decided to forge a strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development, charting the course for the future development of bilateral relations. Fiji was the first Pacific Island country that established diplomatic relations with the Republic of China, and over the past 40 years since then, the two countries have made substantive progress in their relations, with frequent exchanges at high and other various levels, steadily advanced cooperation in trade, investment, economy, technology, judicature and law enforcement, more active contacts between local regions and armies as well as in people-to-people and cultural field, and long-term and sound communication and coordination in international and regional affairs. The facts have proven that the development of bilateral relations has brought tangible benefits to both peoples. China respects the development path independently chosen by the Fijian people according to their national conditions, supports the efforts of the Fijian government in promoting economic and social development and improving people's livelihood and backs the reasonable appeals of the Fijian side in international and regional affairs.
Xi Jinping stressed that this year marks the beginning of comprehensive construction of China-Fiji strategic partnership. China will work with Fiji to boost contacts between governments, parliaments, political parties and local regions, strengthen experience exchange in governance and administration of state affairs as well as connection of development strategies, and push practical cooperation in all areas, thus make greater progress in bilateral relations and better benefit the two peoples. China will enhance cooperation with Fiji in agricultural technology, infrastructure and other sectors and encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest in Fiji and supports the exploration and discussion of bilateral trade agreement. China will continuously commit to intensifying bilateral people-to-people and cultural exchanges and welcomes more Fijian youth to pursue advanced studies in China.
Xi Jinping noted that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the victory of Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War as well as the founding of the UN. China will, together with Fiji, maintain close communication within multilateral frameworks such as the UN and boost communication and coordination on such major issues as reform of the UN Security Council, climate change and the post-2015 development agenda so as to earnestly safeguard the common interests of developing countries.
Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama said that the state visit paid by President Xi Jinping to Fiji last year elevated bilateral relations to a new level. Fiji thanks for China's long-term vigorous support, and views China as an important partner in its national development strategy. On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, Fiji hopes to enhance comprehensive cooperation with China and continuously obtain support from China in its social and economic development. Fiji also hopes to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China on addressing climate change and other major international and regional issues.
State Councilor Yang Jiechi and others attended the meeting.
On that morning, Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama went to the Tiananmen Square and laid a wreath at the Monument to the People's Heroes.