Fiji's One China Policy intact - PM Bainimarama
Aug 11, 2008 - Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has reassured China of Fiji's one-China policy and that Fiji will
continue to recognise the Peoples' Republic of China as the sole and legitimate Government of the whole of China,
including Taiwan.
Commodore Bainimarama made the undertaking at a private meeting with Premier of the Republic of China HE Mr Wen Jiabao
in China yesterday.
"Let me again on our part, reiterate the interim Government's commitment to the one-China policy. Fiji will continue to
recognise the Peoples' Republic of China as the sole and legitimate Government of the whole of China, including Taiwan,"
he said.
"We continue to desire the degree of co-operation between our two countries throughout the whole range of our
relationships that is based on mutual understanding, respect and trust.
Commodore Bainimarama thanked Premier Jiabao for China's continued provision of the much needed development assistance
to Fiji, in crucial areas of Fiji's economic and social development, particularly in infrastructural development, health
sector, sports facilities, financial grant assistance, amongst others, when we most needed it.
"During these difficult times, we are trying to secure new markets for our products, particularly where there is
flexibility and readiness to meet the export needs of small island countries like Fiji," he said.
"We will, therefore, continue to Look North and engage with countries like China to help us meet our trade and
investment aspirations.
Commodore Bainimarama said last year Fiji exempted Chinese nationals from pre-entry visa requirements for entry into
Fiji and hopes that this initiative will help stimulate a growth in visitor arrivals from China, investment and business
activities in Fiji to our mutual benefit.
"We have developed over the years a number of bilateral agreements, bilateral aid assistance programmes and cultural
exchange programmes and other people to people linkages, it is my confident hope and wish that through these, the close
and friendly relations between our two countries will continue to grow and strengthen for our mutual benefit and that
Fiji-China friendship blossoms even further, in the future," he said.
"We are also committed, Your Excellency, to harnessing the soft loan funding you announced in your visit to Fiji in
April 2006. We have identified a number of projects and are liaising closely with your authorities to further pursue
this.
ENDS