The Chinese and Fijian governments issued a joint press
communiqué in Nadi Tuesday amidst Premier Wen Jiabao's official
visit to Fiji.
Following is the full text of the joint communiqué:
Joint Press Communiqué Between the Government of the People's
Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of the Fiji
Islands?????
1. At the invitation of Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase of the
Republic of the Fiji Islands, Premier Wen Jiabao of the State
Council of the People's Republic of China paid an official visit to
the Republic of the Fiji Islands on 4-5 April 2006. During his
visit, Premier Wen Jiabao met with President Josefa Iloilovatu
Uluivuda and had talks with Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase. The two
sides had an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and
international and regional issues of mutual interest and reached
extensive agreement.
2. Leaders of both countries expressed their satisfaction with
the substantial progress achieved in the bilateral relationship
since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1975.
They pointed out that the growth of China-Fiji relations had
brought real benefits to the two countries and peoples and
contributed to peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia Pacific
region.
Leaders of both countries reviewed the 1975 Joint Communiqué
between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the
Government of Fiji on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations
between China and Fiji, the 2002 Joint Statement between the
Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of
the Republic of the Fiji Islands on Consolidating and Promoting
Friendly Relations and Cooperation and the 2004 Joint Press
Communiqué between the People's Republic of China and the Republic
of the Fiji Islands. They agreed that the three documents are
important in guiding the future development of China-Fiji relations
and expressed their resolve to continue to observe the guidelines
and principles of these documents.
3. To promote long term and healthy development of China-Fiji
relations in the 21st century, leaders of both countries decided to
establish and strengthen "China-Fiji important cooperative
partnership", respect each other politically, carry out mutually
beneficial cooperation economically and support and closely
cooperate with each other in international and regional affairs. To
enrich "China-Fiji important cooperative partnership", the two
sides agreed to strengthen high-level exchanges and enhance mutual
political trust, step up mutually beneficial economic cooperation
based on their comparative strengths to promote sustainable
development of both countries, and enhance communication and
cooperation on international and regional issues.
4. The two sides were satisfied with the agreements on trade,
economic and technical cooperation, quality inspection and
telecommunications signed during the visit. The Fiji side
considered China a WTO member committed to market economy and
recognized China's full market economy status. The Chinese side
appreciated Fiji's position in this regard. The two sides supported
and encouraged their enterprises to carry out mutually beneficial
cooperation in diverse forms in fishery, forestry, tourism and
agriculture and promote steady growth of bilateral economic and
trade relations.
5. The Fiji side reiterated Fiji's commitment to developing the
closest degree of friendship and cooperation with the People's
Republic of China. It reaffirmed its adherence to respect for
national sovereignty, non-interference in internal domestic
affairs, peaceful resolution of disputes, and mutual assistance and
support in economic and social development, as the guiding
principles in Fiji-China relations.
The Fiji side reiterated its government's commitment to the
one-China policy, recognizing the Government of the People's
Republic of China as the only legal government representing the
whole China and Taiwan as an inalienable part of China. The Fiji
side is opposed to any attempt to create "two Chinas" or "one
China, one Taiwan", to "Taiwan independence" and to Taiwan's
participation in international and regional organizations that are
only open to sovereign states. The only relations Fiji will
maintain with Taiwan are in the promotion of unofficial economic
and commercial ties.
6. The Chinese side reiterated its respect of and support for
the active efforts by the Fiji Government to develop economy and
improve the people's livelihood. It expressed the hope that Fiji
would achieve economic growth, maintain ethnic harmony, ensure
peace and prosperity for its people and contribute to the stability
and prosperity of the region.
7. The two sides expressed satisfaction with their coordination
and cooperation in international and regional organizations like
the United Nations, the World Health Organization and the Pacific
Islands Forum and agreed to further strengthen such coordination
and cooperation in the interest of maintaining regional stability
and promoting common development.
Released in Nadi, Fiji on 4 April 2006.
(Xinhua News Agency April 5, 2006)
