Chinese Premier holds talks with Fijian PM

BEIJING - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday held talks with Fijian Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama.

Li reviewed the smooth growth of China-Fiji relations and remarkable cooperation in various fields since the two countries forged diplomatic relations in 1975.

Hailing Fiji as China's good friend and partner, Li said the new Chinese government would like to abide by the principle of mutual respect and equal treatment, increase exchanges and expand cooperation with Fiji so as to seek growth in bilateral relations.

As China and Fiji are confronted with the task of developing their economies and improving people's livelihood, the two countries should cooperate more, Li suggested.

He made a three-point proposal, urging deeper cooperation in agriculture, forestry, fishery, minerals, communication, telecommunications and infrastructure.

He called on both countries to work out agreements on fishery and visa exemption and to promote exchanges among their peoples.

The premier advocated more trade and investment cooperation, saying China encouraged Chinese businesses to invest in Fiji and would like to provide assistance to Fiji within its capacity.

The two countries should also introduce more people-to-people exchanges, including cooperation in education, culture, tourism and other sectors, according to Li.

As Asian and Pacific countries, China and Fiji are committed to safeguarding regional and world peace and stability, he said.

China will, as always, support Fiji's participation in international and regional issues, Li said, pledging China will work with Fiji and other Pacific Island nations to increase coordination in climate change, jointly safeguard the interests of developing countries and promote regional prosperity and stability.

Bainimarama, the first Pacific Island national leader to visit China since China's new leadership came into power, thanked China for helping his country with agriculture, fishery and infrastructure.

He described China as a great country with a promising future, and one with which Fiji would like to work more closely in trade, investment, tourism, recyclable energy and climate change.

Earlier on Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping also met with Bainimarama.