Premier Li Keqiang met with Fiji’s Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, who attended the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, in Beijing on May 16.

In more than 40 years of diplomatic relations between China and Fiji, the two countries have witnessed ongoing mutual trust and respect, he said.

Based on a solid political foundation, the two countries should make efforts to coordinate development strategies, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote common development, according to the Premier.

Regarding climate change issues, Premier Li said that China always holds a responsible attitude toward fighting climate change and implementing the Paris Agreement on climate change with the international society.

“This is not only China’s obligation as a responsible developing country but also the road China must go through to transform and update its economy. China will support Fiji as the host of the 23rd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 23) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC),” he added.

Bainimarama said that relations between China and Fiji are comprehensive and strong. Fiji appreciates China’s long-term assistance and is willing to strengthen industrial cooperation and trade with China.

As the host of UNFCCC COP 23, Fiji speaks highly of China’s significant contribution to fighting climate change and expects support from all sides including China, he said.

The two leaders witnessed the signing of bilateral documents on economic and technological cooperation.