Wang Yi Holds Virtual Meeting with Premier and Foreign Minister of Niue Dalton Tagelagi

On May 29, 2022 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a virtual meeting with Premier and Foreign Minister of Niue Dalton Tagelagi in Fiji.

Wang Yi appreciated Tagelagi's active commitment to China-Niue friendship, saying that since the establishment of China-Niue diplomatic ties, the two sides have always respected and supported each other and bilateral relations have been developing smoothly. The two sides have established a comprehensive strategic partnership and signed the document on Belt and Road cooperation. China has become Niue's second-largest trading partner. Practical cooperation covers a wide range of areas, making positive contributions to the economic and social development and improvement of people's livelihood in Niue. China and Niue have supported and assisted each other in the fight against the pandemic and the friendship has been further enhanced.

Wang Yi said, China supports Niue in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions. We will step up policy communication with Niue, pursue high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, advance cooperation on infrastructure, radio and television, and at the sub-national level, expand cooperation on the blue economy and bio-pharmacy, and help Niue enhance its capacity for sustainable development. China encourages Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Niue, and at the same time welcomes Niue to actively participate in the China International Import Expo to promote Niue's high-quality and specialty products.

Tagelagi said, Niue is sincerely grateful for China's selfless help and strong support for its self-generated development and improvement of people's livelihood. Since the establishment of Niue-China diplomatic ties, the two sides have carried out effective cooperation on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit. China has always attached importance to listening to Niue's needs and offered timely assistance to its fight against the COVID-19. Niue cherishes its friendly relations with China and the close friendship between the two peoples, firmly pursues the one-China principle and looks forward to deepening cooperation with China in various fields to jointly promote peace, development and prosperity.

The two sides exchanged views on overall cooperation between China and Pacific Island Countries and agreed to work together for the success of the second China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Wang Yi said, China consistently conducts cooperation with Pacific Island Countries with an open attitude. We respect the traditional ties between island countries and other countries in the region and are ready to further deepen friendship and cooperation based on consensus between the two sides. Mr. Premier once said that China brings opportunities, not challenges, to the island countries. China is committed to peace and development and is ready to make its national contribution to the peace, development and prosperity of mankind. Over the past half century, China has always provided support and assistance to island countries in accordance with their needs. The 21st century belongs to developing countries. Small and medium-sized countries also have the right to develop, and the people of island countries also have the right to live a happy life. China is a long-term and reliable cooperative partner of island countries in their development. We are ready to work with all parties to build consensus on cooperation, upgrade the cooperation level, and foster greater synergy to help island countries achieve better development.

Tagelagi said, China's support is crucial to the development of island countries. Niue is ready to make bilateral cooperation a useful supplement to existing plans in the spirit of mutual respect and jointly promote the development and prosperity of the South Pacific region.