On April 5, Chinese Wen Jiabao of the State Council met in Nadi, Fiji respectively with Prime Minister Michael Somare of Papua New Guinea, rotating presidency of Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Prime Minister Vanuaroroa Ham Lini of Vanuatu, President Joseph J. Urusemal of the Federated States of Micronesia, Prime Minister Feleti Sevele of Tonga, Prime Minister Jim Marurai of the Cook Islands, Prime Minister Young Vivian of Niue and Samoan Prime Minister's Representative, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labor Hans Joachim Keil, who were attending the first "China-Pacific Islands Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum" Ministerial Conference.
Wen made positive comments on sound development of bilateral relations between China and the abovementioned countries and highly appreciated them for adhering to the one-China policy, upholding justice in the UN and other international and regional organizations and offering China staunch support. He said that both China and Pacific Islands countries are developing nations located in the Asia-Pacific region. Both sides share common interest in promoting regional stability and prosperity, as well as the same plea in international affairs and can fully become friends that rely on each other and sincere cooperative partners based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefits. China attaches great importance to developing relations with Pacific Islands countries and would like to continue strengthening bilateral exchanges and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation.
Wen emphasized that "China-Pacific Islands Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum" is an important platform for deepening bilateral comprehensive cooperation and promoting common development. China will support and help Pacific Islands countries to realize all-round, sustainable economic and social development through a range of preferential policies and measures in the areas of loan, debt, tariff, health, tourism and personnel training. Besides, the Chinese government encourages businesses of both sides to conduct cooperation in the fields of resources exploitation, agriculture, forestry, fishery, communications, aviation and infrastructure construction.
Somare and other leaders indicated that the Pacific Islands countries and China share sincere and friendly ties. Both sides have treated each other as equals, shown mutual support for each other and conducted mutually beneficial cooperation. The people of all islands countries thank China for actively assisting and participating in the cause of local economic and social development for a long period of time. China proposes the launch of "China-Pacific Islands Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum" and promises to offer further assistance and cooperation to all countries, which shows once again that China is a good friend and partner in this region. All islands countries cherish and attach great importance to friendly cooperative relations with China, support China to play a more positive role in this region and would like to take the establishment of this forum as an opportunity to advance friendship, strengthen cooperation and realize common development with China.
All the leaders of islands countries at the meeting reaffirmed that they will continue to resolutely pursue the one-China policy, not conduct any official exchanges with Taiwan and support China's grand cause of peaceful reunification.
Following the meeting, Wen and the leaders of islands countries also jointly attended the signing ceremony of the document on bilateral economic and technological cooperation.
On the same day, Wen also met with Secretary-General Greg Urwin of Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and both sides exchanged views on strengthening cooperation between China and the PIF including its member nations.