The Chinese and Fijian governments issued a joint press communiqué in Nadi Tuesday amidst Premier Wen Jiabao's official visit to Fiji.

 

Following is the full text of the joint communiqué:

 

Joint Press Communiqué 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 Communiqué 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 of the Republic of the Fiji Islands on Consolidating and Promoting Friendly Relations and Cooperation and the 2004 Joint Press Communiqué 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.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 5, 2006)