In Xiamen, Fujian Province, a vibrant diplomatic dialogue unfolded from May 28 to 29 as foreign ministers from Pacific Island Countries gathered for the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting. The event, hosted by CGTN, featured a key side roundtable titled "China-PICs Dialogue: Pacific Partnerships for Prosperity," where representatives from Niue, the Federated States of Micronesia, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji exchanged ideas on boosting cooperation and future development.
Dalton Tagelagi, Niue's prime minister and foreign minister, highlighted the 50-year relationship with China built on mutual understanding and respect, reaffirming his country's support for the one-China principle. Lorin Robert, foreign secretary of the Federated States of Micronesia, described the comprehensive strategic partnership as mature and expressed readiness to enhance collaboration in areas such as sustainable development, climate action, people-to-people exchanges, trade, and ongoing diplomatic dialogue.
Vanuatu's Foreign Minister, Marc Ati, praised China's vision of a community with a shared future, hoping for expanded cooperation in infrastructure, health, agriculture, climate, and trade. Papua New Guinea's Justin Tkatchenko stressed China's positive role in his country's development through active participation in initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative. He also spotlighted an agricultural project proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, citing the success of Juncao cultivation and the impact of the China-Papua New Guinea Friendship School, which trains over 3,000 young talents each year.
Fiji's assistant foreign minister, Lenora Qereqeretabua, emphasized that China understands Fiji's national identity, culture, and traditions, and Fiji continues to reciprocate this deep respect. Discussions throughout the meeting also touched on critical topics like poverty alleviation and education. Overall, the dialogue resonated with optimism and a shared commitment to deepening ties, proving that inspired partnerships can pave the way for a brighter, interconnected future 🤝🌏.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
