Fiji joined other Pacific Island Countries and the People’s Republic of China at the China-Pacific Islands Countries (PICs) Political Leadership Dialogue convened via virtual platform yesterday.
The meeting focused on the theme, “Working together to build consensus across the ocean and pursue shared development.”
The meeting attended by leaders and senior officials of PICs and China was organised by the International Department of the Central Committee of the CPC, in commemoration of the Communist Party of China’s (CPC) 100 years Anniversary.
The dialogue enabled officials to take stock of the current areas of collaboration between PICs and China, whilst exploring opportunities for deepened engagements in pursuing shared priorities with the main focus on the COVID-19 pandemic and Climate Change.
The Minister for Defence, National Security and Policing, Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu attended this dialogue on behalf of the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama.
In his statement, Mr Seruiratu said that the pandemic has further exacerbated the challenges imposed by the climate crisis. As such, he stated that this dialogue is an ideal platform to pave a way forward in realigning the plans and strategies to regional priorities, through maximising opportunities to work together to Building Back Better.
He added that one of the ways to achieve this, would be by capitalising on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
In 2018, Fiji had signed a BRI Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and established a National Fiji Belt and Road Working Committee.
Mr Seruiratu reiterated that by working together the National Belt and Road Working Committee and BRI Policy coordination agency can cohesively align development plans post COVID-19.
Updating the forum on Fiji’s COVID response, Mr Seruiratu said that after successfully containing COVID-19 for a year, the virus has again hit our communities. While trying to contain it is hard work, Fiji is confident that together – as a nation and with the support of our development partners – we will overcome it.
He said that Fiji like other countries in the region looks to more targeted collaboration with China, to enhance measures to mitigate, adapt and respond effectively and efficiently to the immediate impacts of COVID-19, and address the existential threats of climate change in the long term.
At the session on “Opening a New Chapter in China-Pacific Island Countries Cooperation with Combined Political Strength,” Mr Seruiratu provided Fiji’s perspective on the opportunities and challenges for China-PICs Cooperation in the post COVID era; and strategies for the Promotion of the Belt and Road cooperation.
In conclusion, Mr Seruiratu reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to strengthening the bond of friendship and partnership with China and the Pacific Island Countries; and advancing a comprehensive partnership based on the principles of mutual respect and common development.
He also conveyed his best wishes to the People’s Republic of China as they commemorate the achievements of the CPC at its 100 years Anniversary.
