Wu's visit enhances Sino-Fijian relations

China on Friday signed three agreements with Fiji to expand economic and technological cooperation and offer more favorable loans to the South Pacific island nation.

Top legislator Wu Bangguo and Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama meet in Nadi, Fiji, on Friday. [Photo/Xinhua]

The two sides also agreed to boost infrastructure as well as agricultural and tourism collaboration, and to maintain communications on climate change issues.

The three agreements - one on favorable loans for Fiji's Nabouwalu-Dreketi road upgrading project and two framework documents - were signed in the presence of China's top legislator Wu Bangguo and Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

No other details of the documents were revealed.

Wu arrived in Nadi on Thursday night to begin the first-ever official visit to Fiji by a chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee.

During a meeting with Bainimarama on Friday morning, Wu said that China considers Fiji a "good friend" among the Pacific island countries and would like to elevate Sino-Fijian relations to a new and higher level.

Wu said that Fiji was the first Pacific island country to establish diplomatic relations with China in 1975, and that good relations between the two countries are conducive to the stability and growth of the entire Asia-Pacific region.

While meeting Fijian President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau on Friday afternoon, Wu said China would continue to offer assistance to Fiji and would support island countries in their efforts to participate in international affairs equally.

Nailatikau expressed gratitude for China's help in the past, and said Fiji is willing to play a full part in its pivotal role in the South Pacific region to tighten communication and cooperation with China along with other island countries.

Nailatikau reiterated that Fiji firmly supports the one-China principle and hopes China could achieve peaceful reunification.

Wu also told Bainimarama that China would encourage companies to engage in more projects in Fiji. He proposed that cooperation in areas such as agriculture, fishery, tourism, human resources and infrastructure construction should be enhanced.

Bainimarama said Fiji would like to further expand cooperation with China, particularly in those sectors, and Fiji will keep communicating with China on climate change issues.

Wu said that China fully understands the particular concerns on climate change issues from some island countries, and proposed that developing countries join hands to urge developed countries to fulfill their obligations.

He said China would continue to support the legitimate demands of Pacific island countries, including Fiji, in sectors such as sustainable development, energy security, marine resources protection and climate change.

Guo Chunmei, an expert on Australian studies at China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, said China's aid and support to the civic development and infrastructure of Pacific island countries has been consistent and selfless.

She said the new agreements signed on Friday, including the planned favorable loans, answered Fiji's urgent need to develop its economy. Fiji's relations with Australia and New Zealand were strained after the two countries condemned the Pacific island nation's coup in 2006. Recently, the two countries began to show an interest in restoring diplomatic ties with Fiji.

"And different from other countries, China does not provide aids motivated by gains," Guo said.

Fiji is the last stop of Wu's four-nation tour in the Asia-Pacific region. Before arriving in Nadi, he visited Iran, Myanmar and Sri Lanka, and held talks with leaders of the respective countries to boost bilateral ties and exchange views on regional and international issues.

Wu is scheduled to leave Fiji for Beijing on Sunday.

Qin Zhongwei in Beijing contributed to this story.

zhuzhe@chinadaily.com.cn