BEIJING, Nov. 23 (Xinhuanet) -- The three-day trip to the Pacific island country is the first in history by a Chinese president. Xi Jinping met with his Fijian counterpart Ratu Epeli Naila-tikau on Friday, and held talks with Fijian Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama on Saturday and pledged continued assistance to Fiji.
While meeting with Fijian Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama on Saturday, President Xi hailed the country as China's crucial cooperative partner among the Pacific island countries.
The president said China respects the development path the Fijian people have chosen, and appreciates Fiji's efforts to prioritize developing ties with China in its "Look North Policy."
China appreciates Fiji's efforts to help chase fugitives and illegal assets, and hopes the two sides can continuously strengthen bilateral law enforcement cooperation.
Xi Jinping pledged that China will continue to help Fiji develop its economy, improve people's livelihood, and tackle climate change. He added China will open a Chinese culture center in Fiji, and continue to dispatch medical teams and artist groups to Fiji, to boost people-to-people exchanges.
For his part, Bainimarama said Fiji hopes to keep political contacts with China, and expand trade and economic cooperation as well as people-to-people exchanges.
After their talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of cooperation deals, involving economic and technological fields, and visa exemptions.
A day earlier, President Xi met his Fijian counterpart Ratu Epeli Naila-tikau. Xi said China is willing to strengthen exchanges with Fiji at different levels, and expand practical cooperation. The Chinese president noted China regards Fiji as a sincere friend and important partner in the South-Pacific region, and he looked forward to talks with Fijian leaders to chart a blueprint for future relations.
Naila-tikau thanked Beijing for the support and assistance China has long offered to his country. He said Xi's visit will definitely lift bilateral ties to a higher level.
On Friday evening, President Xi attended a traditional welcoming ceremony held by Bainimarama.
Xi was greeted by Fijian indigenous people, and was gifted with whale tooth tabua, mats and yaqona, traditional Fijian items that symbolize peace and good luck. The president thanked the Fijian government and people for their hospitality.
Fiji is the last stop of President Xi Jinping's three-nation South Pacific tour. It has taken him to Australia and New Zealand.
(Source: CNTV.cn)
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