| Monday, November 12, 2001, updated at 10:17(GMT+8) |
CPPCC Chairman Li Ruihuan Arrives in Fiji |
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Li Ruihuan, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), arrived in Nadi Sunday for a five-day official goodwill visit, as guest of the Fijian government.
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CPPCC Chairman Li Ruihuan Arrives in Fiji
Li Ruihuan, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), arrived in Nadi Sunday for a five-day official goodwill visit, as guest of the Fijian government.
Li was greeted at the airport by Frank Bainimarama, commander of the Fijian armed forces, and Kaliopate Tavola, minister of foreign affairs and external trade. In the company of Bainimarama, Li reviewed the guard of honor of the armed forces.
In a written speech upon arrival at the airport, the leader of China's top advisory body said that his current visit is to make friends, deepen friendship, expand cooperation and seek common development.
"I look forward to an in-depth exchange of views with the Fijian leaders on bilateral relations and other issues of shared interest," Li said, adding he will meet extensively with Fijian friends from all walks of life, enhance mutual understanding and brief them on China's political and economic development.
He said, "I am confident that with the thoughtful arrangements by my host, my visit will be a complete success."
Over the past 26 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Fiji, Li said, friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries have, thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, developed rapidly in the political, economic, education, cultural and other fields, and the mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples have been enhanced constantly.
At present, China-Fiji relations are faced with new opportunities for development in the new century, Li said, adding the two economies are fairly complementary to each other and enjoy broad prospects for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation.
Both located in the Asia-Pacific region, Li said, China and Fiji have extensive common interests in maintaining peace and stability and promoting common prosperity and development in the region.
"The Chinese government will, as always, attach importance to developing friendly ties and cooperation with Fiji and stands ready to work together with the Fijian government and people for greater development of China-Fiji friendship and cooperation in the new century," Li said.
Li's entourage includes Zheng Wantong, secretary-general of the CPPCC National Committee, Chen Bangzhu, chairman of the Subcommittee of Human Resources and Environment of the CPPCC National Committee, Zhang Wenbin, chairman of the CPPCC Chongqing Municipal Committee, Lin Yinghai, chairman of the CPPCC Henan Provincial Committee, Zhang Yueqi, chairman of the CPPCC Jilin Provincial Committee, Zhang Junsai, Chinese ambassador to Fiji, and Yuan Xingpei, vice-chairman of the Central Committee of the China Democratic League.
Monday, Li is scheduled to meet Fijian acting President Ratu Jope Naucabalavu Seniloli, Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and Foreign Minister Kaliopate Tavola, in Suva, capital of Fiji. He will also attend a ground-breaking ceremony for the gymnasium facilities that are to be build with the assistance from China.
Fiji is the first leg of Li's three-nation Asia-Pacific tour, which also includes Papua New Guinea and Singapore. Li was here for a stop-over on June 29, 1995, on his way back to Beijing following an official goodwill visit to Cuba, Jamaica, Brazil and Chile.
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