FM Wang Yi says China ready to work with Kiribati to further advance bilateral ties

China stands ready to work with Kiribati to further advance bilateral relations and enhance the well-being of the Kiribati people, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Kiribati's President and Foreign Minister Taneti Maamau in Xiamen City, southeast China's Fujian Province. Maamau is in Xiamen to attend the third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

Wang said that since the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries over five years ago, China-Kiribati ties have advanced rapidly with deepening political mutual trust and fruitful cooperation across various fields.

The Chinese foreign minister added that Kiribati's decision to restore ties with China has proven to be fully aligned with the fundamental and long-term interests of both peoples.

China has always valued its relations with Kiribati and highly appreciates Kiribati's firm adherence to the one-China principle, Wang said, adding that the Chinese Embassy in Kiribati was the first among foreign missions in the Pacific Island country to offer visa services, and Chinese medical teams have effectively addressed local healthcare shortages.

China will continue encouraging reputable and capable Chinese enterprises to invest in Kiribati, Wang said.

The two sides can strengthen cooperation under the "Blue Partnership" framework in marine resource protection, development and utilization, Wang added.

Noting China fully understands the unique challenges and legitimate concerns of the Pacific Island Countries regarding climate change, Wang said China stands ready to collaborate with developing nations, including Kiribati, to urge developed countries to face their historical responsibilities, fulfill their commitments and increase financial, technological and capacity-building support for developing countries.

China will continue assisting Kiribati in enhancing its climate resilience under the South-South cooperation framework, Wang added.

Maamau expressed gratitude for China's strong support for Kiribati's economic and social development, saying that Kiribati looks forward to further strengthening cooperation with China in fields such as cultural exchanges, healthcare, infrastructure, sister-city ties, the blue economy and climate change.

Both sides expressed confidence in the success of the third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting.