On the afternoon of July 16, 2015, Premier Li Keqiang held talks with Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama of Fiji at the Great Hall of the People.
Li Keqiang expressed that China and Fiji are strategic cooperative partners featuring mutual respect and common development. Since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations 40 years ago, the two countries have witnessed frequent exchanges at high and other various levels as well as fruitful cooperation results in economy, trade, people-to-people and cultural engagement, defense, law enforcement and other areas. President Xi Jinping paid a successful visit to Fiji last year, elevating bilateral relations to a new level. China will deepen political mutual trust and boost dialogue, exchanges and cooperation in all sectors with Fiji thus constantly advance bilateral relations.
Li Keqiang pointed out that China will, together with Fiji, deeply tap potential in practical cooperation and intensify cooperation in such fields as agriculture, forestry, fishery, transportation, communication, infrastructure construction, new energy, tourism and environmental protection for mutual benefit and win-win results. China backs Chinese enterprises to invest and develop in ecological agriculture and other fields in Fiji and also welcomes Fijian enterprises to explore high-quality marine product market in China. It is hoped that the joint feasibility study on free trade agreement carried out by both sides will yield positive results so as to further elevate bilateral economic and trade cooperation. China will continue offering help within its capacity for Fiji's economic and social development.
Li Keqiang emphasized that both countries should also deepen people-to-people and cultural as well as local exchanges and enhance mutual friendship and cooperation. China supports the constructive role of Fiji in regional cooperation among the Pacific Island countries and will, together with Fiji, intensify multilateral cooperation and keep close communication and coordination on such issues as addressing climate change and reforming the UN Security Council thus safeguard the common interests.
Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama said that China is an important development partner of Fiji. His visit is on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, and Fiji will take this opportunity to further deepen bilateral traditional friendship and strengthen bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, fishery, aviation and other areas. He thanked for China's long-term help for Fiji's economic and social development. Fiji is now formulating its national development strategy and hopes to continue obtaining vigorous help form China. Fiji appreciates China's important role in global efforts to cope with climate change and will step up cooperation with China in international and regional affairs.
Prior to the talks, Li Keqiang held a welcome ceremony for Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama at the square outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People. Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Chen Xiaoguang attended the ceremony.
Following the talks, the Chinese Premier and the Fijian Prime Minister together witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents covering economy and trade, economic technique, people-to-people and cultural exchanges and others.