PM Bainimarama says support from China over the last 7 years aided our national development

PM Bainimarama says support from China over the last 7 years aided our national development

By Ronal Deo
22/11/2014
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama giving his welcome speech to President of China Xi Jinping [Photo: Dept. of Information]

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has told the President of China Xi Jinping that the support Fiji received from China over the last seven years has aided our national development.

While welcoming the Chinese President last night, Bainimarama said that the last seven years has been marked by a steady increase in Chinese assistance to Fiji through favourable lending arrangements, infrastructure development, technical assistance and cultural exchanges.

Bainimarama added that he believes that our close relationship is based on a mutual respect for the other’s national sovereignty, the belief that they have the right to chart our own course as nations.

In this respect, China has been a true friend to Fiji.

He said China never tried to interfere in Fiji’s internal affairs or tell Fiji what was best for them as a nation.

Instead, China was there in our time of need, when others in the region had turned their backs on us because they did not understand their vision for Fiji and what they were trying to accomplish here.

Bainimarama said they have especially appreciated that China has been willing to work closely with them to ensure that its assistance is in line with Government’s priorities and initiatives.

This has allowed us to work together to target specific areas and achieve the best results for the people of Fiji.

He said since Fiji became the first Pacific island country to establish diplomatic relations with China in 1975, the bonds of friendship between us have continued to grow.

He also said that it shows just how much Fiji’s relations with China have strengthened in the last few years.

He added the President’s visit, is symbolic of the close relationship between our two nations now.

Bainimarama said they are honoured to welcome President Xi Jinping, not only as the first Chinese President to visit Fiji, but also as the first Head of State to visit us following our successful election in September.

He further added that people from the village of Nakorotubu, Ra who gave the traditional i-Taukei welcome followed a protocol that has been used to welcome visitors for centuries.

Bainimarama said they want China to be fully engaged in the Pacific.

He said during the Chinese President’s stay here, they will explore ways to boost people-to-people contact and cultural exchanges as well as to enhance trade and development cooperation.

He said he looks forward to exploring new opportunities and to signing memorandums of understanding that will broaden and deepen our relationship.

FEATURE NEWS
Drua put the Force to the sword with convincing 38-7 win
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua put the Western Force to the sword in the Lautoka heat with a convincing 38-7 win. The Force struck just two minutes...
4 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
New Harrisons outlet in Labasa town creates employment opportunities
The opening of the new Harrisons Fiji outlet in Labasa Town has created employment opportunities for a few individuals in Labasa. Abdul Mozid ...
4 hours ago

Northern Division celebrates local talent at Women’s Expo
The Women’s Expo that was held in Labasa this week gave the opportunity for a lot of people in the Northern Division to witness and enjoy ...
4 hours ago

Prasad finally gets home ownership offer letter after 20 yrs of living in Narere PRB Estate
After more than 20 years of living in the Narere PRB Estate, Vishnu Prasad was all smiles as he became an official homeowner after receiving his ...
4 hours ago

Many LGBTQIA+ members still experience discrimination despite constitutional protection - Lewaravu
Despite constitutional protections, many LGBTQIA+ members still experience discrimination, exclusion, and abuse. This was highlighted by the ...
4 hours ago

More developments needed for Fiji to host Super Rugby Pacific “Bula Round”
The Super Rugby Pacific will continue to talk to the Government about making a Super Rugby Pacific “Bula Round” a reality in the future, but ...
4 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH

Tragedy at PRB Flats: Couple found dead in suspected murder-suicide in April
A couple were found dead at the new Lagilagi Public Rental Board Flats today and it is alleged at this stage that it was a murder suicide case on ...
12 days ago

Tevita Ikanivere on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show focuses on Ikanivere’s journey, his family, career and how far the Drua has ...
25 days ago

TOP