China reaffirms friendship, cooperation with Pacific island countries(5)

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with the Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna in Nadi, Fiji, Nov 22, 2014. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

While meeting with Henry Puna, prime minister of the Cook Islands, Xi said that China appreciates its firm support on issues concerning China's core interests and China's major concerns.

China stands ready to enhance cooperation with the Cook Islands in such areas as fishery and mining, he said.

The president urged the early completion of a water supply project in the Cook Islands, which is a trilateral cooperation project of China, New Zealand and the Cook Islands, so as to let it benefit local residents.

China is considering opening a Confucius Institute in the country to boost people-to-people and cultural exchanges, Xi added.

Puna said that China respects and treats Cook Islands on an equal footing, and helps the country develop agriculture, build infrastructural facilities and improve people's livelihood.

The Cook Islands hopes to elevate the bilateral relations to a new height and will continue to firmly support China on issues concerning Taiwan, he said.

The Cook Islands also hopes China continues to support and participate in its economic and social development, and welcomes Chinese citizens for sight-seeing in the country, he added.