Chinese FM calls for upholding multilateralism with Solomon Islands

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday met with Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Solomon Islands Peter Shanel Agovaka, calling for working together to uphold multilateralism.

Agovaka is in Xiamen to attend the third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

Over the past five years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Solomon Islands, bilateral relations have achieved all-round development, with deepened political mutual trust and fruitful cooperation, said Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

Facts have proved that the establishment of diplomatic relations is a correct choice that conforms to the trend of the times and is in line with the fundamental and long-term interests of the two peoples, he said.

China is willing to work with the Solomon Islands to uphold multilateralism, basic norms governing international relations, and international fairness and justice, Wang said.

China appreciates the Solomon Islands' firm adherence to the one-China principle and will continue to increase support for the country's economic and social development, he said, calling for strengthening trade and cultural ties and yielding more practical results that benefit the people of the Solomon Islands.

Agovaka said the Solomon Islands will stand firmly with China and jointly oppose U.S. unilateralism and protectionism, pledging to adhere to the one-China principle.

The Solomon Islands looks forward to enhancing practical cooperation with China in fields such as education, police, health care and cultural protection, Agovaka said.