China reaffirms friendship, cooperation with Pacific island countries(4)

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Prime Minister of Vanuatu Joe Natuman in Nadi, Fiji, Nov 22, 2014. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

While meeting Joe Natuman, prime minister of the Republic of Vanuatu, Xi said that Vanuatu is very influential among the Pacific island countries.

China appreciates Vanuatu's efforts to prioritize the development of its ties with China in its foreign policy, and firmly supports Vanuatu's efforts to safeguard its own rights and interests and develop national economy, Xi said.

Vanuatu has unique advantages in agriculture and fishery and China hopes Vanuatu will enlarge exports to China by taking full advantage of the zero-tariff policy offered by Chinese side, Xi said.

China is willing to continue to help Vanuatu with personnel training, tackling climate change and promoting sustainable development, the president said.

Natuman said that China is a true friend of the Pacific island countries and the support and assistance offered by the Chinese side to Vanuatu are very timely, adding that Vanuatu thanks China for helping train its first doctoral student in history.

Not long ago, China's Peace Ark hospital ship visited Vanuatu and the staff aboard offered medical services to local people, which conveyed the friendship, Natuman said.

Vanuatu hopes to cement economic, trade cooperation and people-to-people, cultural exchanges with China, he added.