Chinese President Hu Jintao met and conferred in Beijing Wednesday with visiting Fijian President Ratu Josefa Iloilovato Iluivuda, on bilateral relations and issues of mutual concern.

President Hu said China and Fiji have had a long history of friendly intercourse, and bilateral ties had recorded great advances particularly after they forged diplomatic links in 1975.

Fiji had become China's second largest trade partner in the south Pacific region, he acknowledged, adding that the two countries had supported each other in regional and international affairs.

Hu appreciated Fiji's adherence to the one-China policy.

The consolidating of friendly relations with countries in the south Pacific region was an important component of China's foreign policy, he noted.

He said China supported the efforts of south Pacific countries to develop their economies and safeguard their just rights and interests, and was ready to increase cooperation to promote economic globalization with sustainable development and common prosperity.

President Iloilovato Iluivuda said the friendship between Fiji and China dated back two centuries, and that many Chinese made their livelihoods in Fiji and taught farming, fishing and management.

He reaffirmed the adherence of the Fijian government to the one-China policy, and expressed his gratitude for the genuine, selfless aid of the Chinese government to Fiji.
 
(Xinhua News Agency September 4, 2003)