China, Fiji to enhance cultural ties

China and Fiji on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for culture aimed at enhancing bilateral relations through cultural cooperation between the two countries.

Cai Wu, China's minister for culture, who was in Fiji for a one- day visit, signed the MoU with Filipe Bole, Fiji's minister for education, national heritage, culture and arts, in a bid to cement the friendship between China and Fiji and to encourage the growth of interactions between the two countries culturally.

Highlighting the establishment of the diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1975, Cai said both sides continued to enjoy smooth developments in their relations.

"In the field of culture, we have done a lot of work in the past and I see a lot of potential in the future. China has always regarded Fiji as our best friend, best partner and brother among all the Pacific island countries," Cai said.

"On the foundation of our bilateral friendship and goodwill relations, we will enhance our cultural connections and interactions in the future. Though China and Fiji have different national situations, we both boast cultural diversity. We treasure our precious traditions and culture."

China and Fiji have the common wish to preserve their cultural uniqueness, as well as protecting their sovereignty and independence, Cai said, adding that he is hopeful that the Chinese and Fijian artists will have more opportunities in the future to showcase their brilliant cultures in the two countries.

Welcoming his Chinese counterpart, Bole said Cai's visit to Fiji has turned a new page in the Pacific island country's bilateral cultural relations with China.

"The MoU is the framework with which we will operate for our cultural interaction between the two countries. There are a lot of items in that MoU certainly sufficient enough to keep us busy. The whole idea behind the MoU is for cultural interaction for future. It is something that we hope to follow very quickly to try and get some of the actions that are envisaged in the MoU to be done," said Bole.

On Cai's pledge to provide assistance to Fiji's Department of National Heritage, Culture and Arts in purchasing cultural equipment, Bole said the donation of cultural equipment "will go a long way in enhancing culture and arts in the country".

As part of his visit to Fiji, Cai toured national heritage and cultural statutory organizations such as the Fiji Arts Council, Fiji Museum, Lelean Memorial and Dilkusha High School.