The Fiji-China Friendship Association (FCFA) was founded in Suva on February 3 in a launch ceremony attended by around 100 people from different walks of life and various ethnic groups of Fiji.

Dr. Jiko Luveni, Minister for Women, Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation, spoke at the ceremony to declare: “Today marks another milestone achievement in the bilateral relationship between Fiji and the People’s Republic of China. This association is the extension of the formal relations between our two countries to include our people in an effort to promote and strengthen understanding, friendship and cooperation through people to people programs and activities.”

Chinese Ambassador Huang Yong expressed warm congratulations, saying: “The launch of the Fiji-China Friendship Association comes at a time when our two peoples are trying to expand our friendship and cooperation. It will organize visits, meetings, workshops, art performances to help build ties in various fields, and I believe people from all walks of life will benefit from its activities. The launching of the FCFA opens a new channel in China-Fiji relations. It is a bridge between our two peoples and a catalyst promoting cooperation.”

Fiji’s Prime Minister Josaia Vorege Bainimarama, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Inoke Kubuabola, Fiji’s Ambassador to China Commodore Esala Teleni, and President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries Li Xiaolin sent messages of congratulations.