Xi, Fiji president exchange congratulations on 50th anniversary of ties

BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping and Fijian President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu on Wednesday exchanged congratulatory messages on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

In the message, Xi noted that Fiji is the first Pacific island country to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China.

He added that since the establishment of diplomatic ties half a century ago, the two countries have always respected each other, treated each other as equals and pursued win-win cooperation, supporting each other in pursuing development paths suited to their respective national conditions, regardless of changes in the international landscape.

In recent years, both sides have achieved fruitful results in jointly advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, bringing benefits to their peoples, and making the friendship between the two nations ever more heartfelt, Xi said.

Xi emphasized that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Fiji relations and stands ready to work with President Lalabalavu to take the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to strengthen political mutual trust, expand cooperation across various fields, and elevate the China-Fiji comprehensive strategic partnership to a higher level.