SUVA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama on Sunday congratulates China for celebrating the 68th anniversary of the founding of the country.
"I am delighted to be here this morning to celebrate this special day on the Chinese calendar, as you mark 68 years since the establishment of the People's Republic of China," Bainimarama said at the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations held by local Chinese Fijians.
"I am honored, on behalf of the Fijian people, to take part in this special occasion surrounded by so many members of our Chinese Fijian community," he said.
Describing the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival as "a proud Chinese tradition" that gives people all the chance to reflect on the bonds of family, friendship, community and thanksgiving, the prime minister said that these are values that every Fijian cherishes.
He also thanked Chinese Fijians for the contributions they have made to help develop the South Pacific island state's prosperity.
"Thank you for your contributions to our national life, and I hope that our future, as fellow Fijians, is filled with blessings and even greater prosperity," he said.
For his part, Chinese ambassador to Fiji Zhang Ping said China and Fiji share profound friendship. The two countries have long endeavored to develop friendly exchanges and cooperation based on the principle of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit with the aim of promoting common development.
The ambassador expressed his appreciation and thanks to the Fijian government and Prime Minister Bainimarama for the care and support that they have given to the Chinese community as well as to the China-Fiji relations.
Organized by the Chinese Association of Fiji, the celebrations were attended by over 700 Chinese Fijians and guests from the Fijian government.
