SUVA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Fijian and Chinese officials spoke highly of their bilateral ties as the Chinese embassy in Fiji hosted a grand reception to celebrate the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Monday.
Speaking at the reception, on behalf of Fijian President Jioji Konrote and Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, Fiji's Acting Chief of Protocol Jonetani Tagivetaua said the relationship between Fiji and China continued to grow stronger through many engagements at all levels.
"Our strengthened relations have fostered a renewed commitment between our countries to continuously expand our cooperation in a wide array of sectors," he said.
Tagivetaua also lauded China for pursuing a connected global community through policies such as the Belt and Road Initiative.
Chinese Ambassador Qian Bo said the China-Fiji relations have witnessed fruitful achievements of bilateral cooperation in various fields.
"China has become Fiji's largest source of investment, fourth largest trade partner, and fourth largest source of tourists," Qian said.
"The two countries have signed a series of cooperation agreements in areas such as agriculture, fishery, health and medical services, education, military, law enforcement, sports and local governments."
"China is willing, under the framework of BRI (Belt and Road Initiative), to synergize its development with Fiji's development strategy and provide support in Fiji's fulfilment of its five-year and 20-year National Development Plan," said the ambassador.
The ambassador said China and Fiji have vast common interests and face some common challenges, adding that China highly appreciates and firmly supports Fiji's endeavors in fighting climate change.
"China will continue, under the framework of South-South Cooperation and within our capacity, to provide assistance to Fiji, contributing to Fiji's sustainable development and peacekeeping capabilities," he said.
The reception was held in the New Suva Civic Center in the capital, which has just been re-developed by Guangdong province of China, with the participation of about 500 guests.
