Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Kiribati’s President Taneti Mamau b in Beijing
BEIJING, Jan 7 (NNN-Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping said that Kiribati’s President Taneti Mamau and his country stand on the right side of history by resuming diplomatic ties with China.
Xi made the remarks when holding talks with Mamau at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
China and Kiribati resumed diplomatic relations in September 2019 on the basis of the one-China policy, opening a new chapter for bilateral ties, said Xi.
“Mr. President and the Kiribati government stand on the right side of history,” Xi told Mamau, adding that the resumption “fully embodies their strategic vision and political courage.”
Since the resumption of diplomatic ties, China and Kiribati have conducted numerous exchanges in different areas and at different levels with fruitful results, he said.
Calling Mamau’s visit to China “an important landmark in China-Kiribati ties,” Xi said China stands ready to work with the Pacific island country to promote bilateral ties to a new level.
China will encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest in Kiribati, said Xi, adding that China has approved the listing of Kiribati as a destination for Chinese tour groups.
Mamau said it is based on trust and confidence in China that Kiribati made the important decision to restore diplomatic ties with China.
He reaffirmed that Kiribati will firmly adhere to the one-China policy, respect China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, support China’s “one country, two systems” principle and its reunification.
Appreciating China’s support, Mamau said he looks forward to enhancing cooperation with China in areas including economy, trade, investment, tourism, fisheries, education, healthcare and infrastructure construction.
After the talks, Xi and Mamau witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents in Beijing.
Mamau is paying a state visit to China from Jan 4 to 11. — NNN-XINHUA
