On the afternoon of June 25, 2005, President Hu Jintao met with Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase of the Republic of the Fiji Islands in the Great Hall of the People.

Hu Jintao said that it is the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Fiji this year. With joint efforts by both sides, China-Fiji relations have been in continuous development over the past 30 years. Leaders of the two countries have maintained close contacts. The exchanges between parties and parliaments are getting increasingly active. The trade volume between both countries has been on the rise all along and the mutually beneficial cooperation has been fruitful. The exchange and cooperation in the field of culture, education and tourism has been expanding incessantly. The development of China-Fiji relations profits from mutual respects, mutual trusts and non-intervention in each other's internal affairs in politics, mutual benefits, mutually complementary advantages and common development in economy and following the purposes of UN Charter and internationally-acknowledged basic principles governing international relations and promoting the peace, stability and development of the region and the world in international affairs.

Hu noted that the question of Taiwan involves the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of China, and the emotions of 1.3 billion Chinese people. The Chinese side appreciates the Fijian government for adhering to the one-China policy and supporting the great cause of China's reunification. China hopes to gain the firm and clear-cut support from Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and the Fijian government.

Hu expressed that the Chinese side is willing to work with the Fijian side to take the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties as a chance to further expand and deepen the friendly cooperation between the two sides in various fields and strive to build China-Fiji relationship as an example of equal, friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and South Pacific island nations.

Laisenia Qarase said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the relations between Fiji and China have been developing smoothly and the cooperation in trade and economy has won prominent achievements. The Fijian side appreciates China for its long-term assistance to Fiji in various fields. Fiji is willing to strengthen high-level contacts and the contacts at all levels between both sides and incessantly expand the cooperation in the field of trade, investment, tourism and fishery so as to further consolidate and strengthen Fiji-China friendly and cooperative relations. The Fijian government and I will firmly adhere to the one-China policy and continue to support China's efforts in developing mutually beneficial and friendly relations with South Pacific nations.

State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, Cai Jinbiao, the Chinese Ambassador to Fiji and Vice Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi were present at the meeting.