NEW YORK — Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in New York with Kiribati President and Foreign Minister Taneti Maamau on Sept 23 on the sidelines of the ongoing 77th session of the UN General Assembly.

Wang first conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping's cordial greetings to Maamau.

Three years ago, Maamau made the political decision to resume diplomatic ties with China, opening a new chapter in the history of China-Kiribati relations, Wang noted.

Ever since the resumption of diplomatic ties between the two countries, bilateral relations have enjoyed a good start, witnessed rapid development, and achieved fruitful results, delivering tangible benefits to the people of Kiribati, Wang said.

China is satisfied with the status quo of the development of bilateral relations, and is confident of the prospects for future development, he said.

Wang said that China supports Kiribati in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and national dignity, pursuing its independent development path suited to its national conditions and embraced by its people, and realizing national stability and sustainable development.

For his part, Maamau asked Wang to convey his warm greetings to President Xi as well as to the Chinese people, and thanked China for its friendship with and valuable support for Kiribati.

The resumption of diplomatic ties between Kiribati and China, standing on the right side of history, has brought new hope to Kiribati, he said.

Since the resumption of diplomatic ties, bilateral relations have overcome the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and achieved steady and sound development, with cooperation in maritime, tourism, education, health and other areas progressing smoothly, he said.

Maamau said Kiribati highly appreciates China for showing its responsibility as a major country, and for being committed to promoting world peace, openness and prosperity.

Kiribati looks forward to strengthening synergy between the Kiribati 20-year Vision and the Belt and Road Initiative, consolidating the strong development momentum of bilateral relations, and lifting practical cooperation to a new level, he said.

Wang said China firmly adheres to the principle that all countries, big or small, are equal, has always been a reliable friend and partner of Kiribati, and will continue to offer assistance within its own capacity to Kiribati in accordance with the country's needs, help Kiribati accelerate development and revitalization, and set an example of friendship between countries of different sizes.

The two sides agreed to make good use of the cooperation platforms between China and Pacific island countries, and expand cooperation in such areas as climate change and human resources training.