On April 4, 2006, Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council met with Fijian President Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda in Nadi, Fiji.
Wen said that in 1975, Fiji became the first Pacific Islands country to establish diplomatic ties with China, opening a new chapter for bilateral relations. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties over 30 years ago, bilateral relations have witnessed sound and steady development with positive achievements of cooperation in various areas, which has brought tangible benefits to both peoples and laid a solid foundation for further development of bilateral relations.
Wen said that Fiji is China's important cooperative partner in the South Pacific region and it is a set policy of the Chinese government to consolidate and deepen bilateral traditional friendship and cooperation. China has always advocated that all countries, big or small, are equal and that all countries should respect each other, treat each other as equals, co-exist in harmony and pursue common development. China will continue to conduct all-round cooperation with Fiji according to this principle.
With regard to bilateral cooperation, Wen said that Fiji has rich resources in the areas of agriculture, forestry, fishery and tourism, while China has a broad market and advanced technology suitable to Fiji and has become a major source of outbound tourists. Both sides can strengthen cooperation on the basis of mutual benefits. China encourages its companies to invest and develop in Fiji.
Iloilovatu said that the Fijian people hold friendly feelings towards China. Overseas Chinese in Fiji have been living and working together with local people and contributed to Fiji's development. Over the years, China has offered Fiji assistance and cooperation, which have benefited its people. Fiji is honored to have such a great friend and partner as China and wishes Chinese people greater achievements in building the country. Iloilovatu indicated that Fiji attaches great importance to relations with China and would like to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China. Fiji will keep closer cooperation with China to ensure the success of the first "China-Pacific Islands Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum" Ministerial Conference to be held in Fiji and jointly promote development of relations between China and Islands countries.
On the evening of the same day, Wen also met with the staff of the Chinese Embassy in Fiji and members of the Chinese businessmen delegation attending the first "China-Pacific Islands Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum" Ministerial Conference.