The president sent a letter to a meeting of foreign ministers between the parties welcoming the fruitful development of the comprehensive strategic association that China established with eight islands in the Pacific in search of common progress.

As he assured, Beijing will always be “a good friend, brother and partner” of those territories and will treat them as equals no matter how much the international situation changes.

He considered the meeting of foreign ministers in Fiji as an opportunity to expand dialogue, political trust and cooperation, and called to protect peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and promote the prosperity and well-being of its peoples.

Finally, the dignitary indicated that China is ready to work together with these island states in the face of any challenge, to create consensus and advance development.

Xi Jinping’s letter was read on Monday by Foreign Minister Wang Yi as he co-chaired the online meeting in Fiji with his counterparts from Fiji itself, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, Micronesia and Niue.

Last week it transpired that the parties to the meeting will sign an agreement with provisions to increase collaboration in fishing, construction of Internet networks, establishment of Confucius institutes and police training.

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