Cultural exchange vital for Fiji, China to enhance mutual understanding, say officials

"The development of humankind is a progress of mutual learning and assimilation. Each country is quite different with its own history, culture and advantage. We have to learn from history, respect and learn from each other and promote exchanges and cooperation, so as to achieve common development and progress," he said.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Fiji.

China is now working with the government and people of Fiji to build a comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development, said Qian, adding the purpose of the visit is to explore the possibility for future cooperation.

"When we say mutual respect, this includes the respect of our culture and history. As developing countries, both China and Fiji share a lot in terms of long history, very old culture and seeking common development. We can learn from each other and we can help each other including cooperation in the field of archives," he said.

Timoci Balenaivalu, acting principal archivist of the National Archives of Fiji, said archives is the records of a country's history, and countries like Fiji and China can learn from history and culture to better their future cooperation.

"I have been to China three times. China has a rich history and culture just as what Fiji does. Cultural exchange like today's visit will help us know better each other. Needless to say, we need to respect each other's history and culture and this will help us enjoy good relationship and cooperation," he said.

Meanwhile, Sun Jie, director of China Cultural Center in Fiji, said the center has played a very important role in promoting cultural exchanges between China and Fiji over the past years.

"Every year, we organize a lot of cultural activities that do help peoples enjoy better understanding and further promote the friendship."