NADI, Fiji -- The Chinese and Fijian governments issued a joint press
communique here Tuesday amidst Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's official visit to
Fiji.
Following is the full text of the joint communique:
Joint Press Communique 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 Communique 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 ofthe Republic of the Fiji Islands on Consolidating and Promoting
Friendly Relations and Cooperation and the 2004 Joint Press Communique 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.