China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi to visit Samoa
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Samoa and seven other Pacific island nations and will host the second China-Pacific Island Countries Forein Ministers Meeting in Fiji, according to the Ministry's spokesperson.
From May 26 to June 4, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will pay official visits to eight countries, namely Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste, and a virtual visit to the Federated States of Micronesia upon invitation. He will also hold video conference with Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Cook Islands and Premier and Foreign Minister of Niue, and host the second China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Fiji.
This was confirmed by China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin in his Regular Press Conference on Tuesday.
Xinhua News Agency asked about the expectations of the visit, Mr. Wang said that China sets great store by its friendly relations with Pacific Island Countries and Timor-Leste.
"As developing countries in the Asia-Pacific, China and the relevant countries are each other’s good friend and good partners pursuing common development on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. The development of friendly and cooperative relations between China and those countries serves the fundamental and long-term interests of the two sides, and contributes to peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region," he told Xinhua News Agency.
At present, China-Pacific Island Countries relations have shown a sound momentum of development, with our comprehensive strategic partnership deepening. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the restoration of independence of Timor-Leste and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Timor-Leste. The relationship between China and Timor-Leste has been presented with an important opportunity of development. During the visit, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will have separate talks with foreign ministers of these countries and meet with heads of state and heads of government."
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi
Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China
He stated that the visit by State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will further enhance the political mutual trust between China and these countries, elevate their cooperation in various sectors to a new level, bring new vitality to the long-term development of bilateral relations and make positive contribution to the peace, stability and development in the Asia-Pacific.
Mr. Wang revealed that during the visit, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will host the second China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Fiji.
"This will be the first time that a meeting under the mechanism will be held in a Pacific Island Country. Parties to the meeting will have in-depth exchange of views on such issues as China-Pacific Island Countries relations, exchanges and cooperation across the board, and international and regional cooperation. It is believed that the meeting will play an important role in promoting the solidarity and cooperation between China and Pacific Island Countries and strengthening China-Pacific Island Countries relations," he said.
"The first China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was successfully held in October 2021 via video link. All parties agreed to establish a mechanism of regular meetings between foreign ministers of China and Pacific Island Countries and reached a host of important consensuses and outcomes. China is ready to continue to have close communication with all parties and deliver more benefits to the people in all countries through this mechanism and create new highlights in regional cooperation."
Eyespy Radio has contacted the Embassy of China in Samoa for a comment.