Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang Pays Working Visit to Vanuatu

From May 17 to 19, 2017, Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang paid a working visit to Vanuatu, during which he respectively met with President Baldwin Lonsdale and Acting Prime Minister Ham Lini of Vanuatu, and held working consultation with Foreign Minister Bruno Leingkone of Vanuatu.

Zheng Zeguang expressed that China-Vanuatu relations have achieved substantial development since both countries established diplomatic relations in 1982. President Xi Jinping and leaders of Vanuatu decided to establish a strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development in 2014, pushing bilateral relations to a new stage of rapid development. China is willing to work with Vanuatu to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by both leaders, take celebration of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations as an opportunity to maintain close exchanges at high level and all levels, deepen practical cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, infrastructure construction, tourism, people-to-people and cultural engagement and local affairs, and enhance communication and coordination in international and regional affairs, so as to boost bilateral relations to achieve greater development. Upholding the principle of wide consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, the "Belt and Road" initiative is to integrate development strategies of all countries, and enhance international cooperation, in a bid to achieve win-win development. China welcomes Vanuatu to actively participate in the "Belt and Road" construction.

Vanuatu expressed that bilateral friendly exchanges could date back to the ancient times. Vanuatu is completely satisfied with the development of bilateral relations since both sides established diplomatic relations 25 years ago, and deeply thanked China for its assistance and support to the economic and social development of the country. Vanuatu adheres to the one-China policy and firmly safeguards the political foundation of bilateral relations. Vanuatu is willing to make joint efforts with China, on the basis of the important consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and leaders of Vanuatu, to enhance bilateral friendly communication and cooperation in various fields. Vanuatu warmly congratulates China on the success of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, and looks forward to participating in the "Belt and Road" construction, and further expanding cooperation in infrastructure construction, tourism and people-to-people and cultural engagement with China.

Both sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern including coping with climate change.

(From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China)