China, PIF Members Meet for Closer Cooperation

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, August 20, 2002

China, PIF Members Meet for Closer Cooperation

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China and members of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) discussed bilateral cooperation in many areas and reached wide consensus in Post-Forum Dialogue that ended Monday in Nandi, Fiji, said a senior Chinese official attending the dialogue.

Zhou Wenzhou, representative of the Chinese government and assistant foreign minister, said relations between China and PIF members are moving toward in-depth and comprehensive cooperation. He noted that the PIF would open an office in China next month and China would play host to the annual sessions of PIF investment officials at the same time.

During the dialogue Zhou and senior government officials from New Zealand, Niue, Nauru and Palau exchanged views on wide-ranging issues, including trade and investment, sustained development, cooperation in fisheries, climatic changes and regional security.

Zhou said that with high-level exchanges and closer economic and trade ties constantly increasing, the two sides have had fruitful cooperation in the fields of culture, education, sports and health care.

He said there are broad prospects for cooperation between China and PIF members as both share common interests in international and regional issues and their economies are complementary to each other.

He reiterated China's consistent support to countries in the South Pacific region in their efforts to safeguard state sovereignty and territorial integrity, promote national economies and regional cooperation, protect natural resources and environments in the region and establish a South Pacific nuclear-free zone.

Zhou reaffirmed the principled stand of the Chinese government on the Taiwan issue and expressed appreciation for the PIF's adherence to the norm for international relations, and its refusal to grant Taiwan PIF membership.

Participants at the talks expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for its positive role in helping promote social and economic growth in PIF member states. They also expressed readiness to forge close ties with China, especially in the fields of trade and investment.

On the sidelines of the talks Zhou also met with PIF Secretary-General Noel Levi and heads of government and senior officials from Fiji, Nauru, Kiribati, Micronesia, and the Cook Islands.

Established in 1971, the PIF is devoted to promoting regional cooperation and coordinating foreign policies among South Pacific countries.

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