China and Vanuatu strengthen friendship

China and Vanuatu on Wednesday agreed to advance bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation in regional and international affairs.

The pledge was made when visiting State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a group meeting with a delegation of major Cabinet members led by Vanuatu Prime Minister Bob Loughman in the China-built National Convention Centre.

The group meeting fully showed the great importance Vanuatu attached to China and high-level cooperation between both sides, Wang said.

He hailed those relations between China and Vanuatu have served as a model of mutual respect, unity and coordination between developing countries since the two countries established diplomatic ties 40 years ago.

China would summarize the successful experience with Vanuatu and instill constant new impetuses to build a community with a shared future for the two countries, Wang said.

Saying his country welcomes Chinese delegation’s historical visit, Loughman said the visit was an important signal that China is committed to continuously promoting relations with Vanuatu.

He expressed heartfelt thanks to China for helping Vanuatu in achieving stability and sustainable development, saying China has proved to be a true friend with its practical actions.

Loughman said Vanuatu would steadfastly abide by the one-China principle and jointly build the Belt and Road Initiative to promote comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

During the talks, the two sides agreed to enhance political mutual trust and continue to render firm support to each other in safeguarding core interests and national dignity.

They jointly agreed to stick to the principle of mutual benefit and a win-win relationship, align development strategies and further expand new fields in cooperation together including new energy and digital economy.

The two sides decided to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and deepen strategic coordination.

Both sides thought the two countries should fully leverage the role of bilateral cooperation and the mechanism of China-Pacific Island countries foreign ministers’ meeting to coordinate efforts and accelerate common development for the region.

After the talks, the two sides attended a signing ceremony of cooperation documents spanning economy, technology, health and maritime economy.