BEIJING (Pacnews) — Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and his Tongan counterpart Dr Feleti Sevele held talks here on Thursday, pledging to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, fishing, tourism and human resources.
During their discussions at the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing, the two premiers hailed the fruitful cooperation between the two countries over the years.
Wen said the two countries have always stuck to the principles of mutual respect, mutual benefit and common development in their cooperation since they forged diplomatic ties nine years ago.
Over the years, China has provided aid to Tonga without any political conditions attached, Wen said.
“The aid is simply aimed at strengthening Tonga’s capability of independent development,” he said, adding that China develops relations with Pacific island nations for the sake of maintaining regional stability, promoting sustainable economic and social development.
China respects the sovereignty of the Pacific island nations as well as the development road they choose for themselves, Wen said.
He said China is ready to help these countries develop economy, and work together with them to meet the U.N. Millennium Development Goals.
China is a reliable and good friend of the Pacific island countries including Tonga, Wen said, vowing to support their reasonable requests in protecting oceanic resources and on the climate change issue.
Sevele said he appreciates China’s support for Tonga’s economic development, adding that his country will strengthen exchanges with China and enhance cooperation within the framework of China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum.