In the afternoon of May 29, 2013, Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council held talks with Fijian Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama at the Great Hall of the People.
Li Keqiang said that China-Fiji relationship enjoys sound development with fruitful cooperation in all fields. China always views Fiji as a good friend and partner with sincere cooperation. The new Chinese government will strengthen exchanges and expand cooperation with Fiji by the principle of mutual respect and equality, to push forward in-depth development of China-Fiji important cooperative partnership.
Li Keqiang noted that both China and Fiji are now confronted with the task of developing economy and improving people's livelihood. The two sides should give play to their complementary advantages and continuously expand new areas and contents of cooperation. First, to deepen cooperation in the fields of agriculture, forestry, fishery, mining, transportation, telecommunications and infrastructure. To actively carry out discussions on agreements and documents on fishery and mutual visa exemption and to safeguard and promote personnel exchanges between the two countries. Second, to strengthen trade and investment cooperation. China encourages its businesses to invest in Fiji and will provide assistance within its ability to Fiji in promoting the improvement of people's livelihood and other aspects. Third, to expand people-to-people exchanges and to strengthen cooperation in the fields of education, culture, tourism as well as local exchanges so as to continuously deepen the friendship between the two peoples.
Li Keqiang stressed that both China and Fiji are developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region and committed to safeguarding regional and world peace and stability. China will, as always, support Fiji's active participation in international and regional affairs and is willing to work with Fiji and other Pacific Island Countries (PICs) to strengthen communication, coordination and cooperation in climate change and other areas, to safeguard the rights and interests of developing countries and to promote prosperity and stability of the region.
Bainimarama expressed that Fiji and China have trusted and respected each other for a long term. The Fijian side thanks China for its great assistance for years in the fields of agriculture, fishery and infrastructure construction. China is a great country with broad prospects for development. Fiji takes China as a priority of its "Look North" strategy, and hopes to enhance practical cooperation with China in the fields of trade, investment, tourism, recyclable energy and climate change. The PICs cherish friendly relations with China and are willing to continuously deepen solidarity and cooperation between the two sides.