China will work together with Fiji to promote bilateral ties to a new high, top Chinese national advisor Jia Qinglin said in Nadi Sunday.  

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the statement when meeting with Fijian Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase. Jia is here for a stopover after concluding his official goodwill visit to Mexico, Cuba, Colombia and Uruguay.

Jia said China attaches great importance to developing relations with Fiji and is willing to make joint efforts with the country to strengthen their friendly cooperative ties.

China-Fiji relations, which have developed smoothly since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1975, now face a new opportunity for further development, Jia noted.

The prospect of China-Fiji relations is bright with huge potential to be tapped in economic and trade cooperation, Jia said.

Jia said that China highly appreciates Fiji's one-China policy and its opposition to "Taiwan independence," which is a cornerstone of China-Fiji relations.

The Chinese leader expressed his hope that Fiji will stick to its one-China policy so as to maintain sound and stable development of bilateral relations.

During the meeting, Fijian Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase reiterated that the Fijian government will uphold its one-China policy.

Laisenia said that Fiji is willing, in accordance with the principles of a joint statement and a joint press communiqué issued by the two countries respectively in 2002 and 2004, to strengthen relations with China and to further promote mutually beneficial cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, tourism and fishery.

The Fijian prime minister expressed his gratitude to China for its economic assistance to Fiji.

Jia also met with Fijian Senate President Taito Waqavakatoga on a separate occasion on Sunday.

(Xinhua News Agency May 23, 2005)