Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao made a four-point proposal in Beijing Tuesday on strengthening China-Fiji relations in agriculture, forestry, fishing, tourism and other areas.  

Wen told visiting Fijian Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase that the two countries should maintain top-level exchanges, enhance cooperation in agriculture, forestry and fishing and expand cooperation in culture, education, science, technology, tourism, public health and human resources.

The two sides should also strengthen coordination in international and regional affairs, especially in the international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization, Wen said.

The Fijian prime minister arrived in Beijing Monday for a six-day working visit to China.

Fiji was among the first of the island countries in the South Pacific to establish full diplomatic relations with China.

The 29 years of full diplomatic relations between China and Fiji have brought concrete benefits to people of both countries and helped promote regional peace and development, Wen said.

The Chinese premier stressed that China highly appreciates the one-China policy of the Fijian government.

Qarase said he agreed with Wen's proposals, and that the Fijian government is ready to develop cooperative relations with China in areas of trade, fishing, tourism, culture and education.

The prime minister thanked China for its assistance and pledged that the Fijian government will clearly and firmly uphold the one-China policy, considering it an important base for its relations with China.

Wen also expounded on China's policy in developing relations with countries in the South Pacific region. He said China will continue to support the South Pacific countries to seek self-improvement, economic development and safeguarding their legitimate rights, and is willing to cooperate with them on a mutual benefit basis. 

(Xinhua News Agency June 30, 2004)