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Chinese Foreign Minister launches Pacific nation visit in FSM

Palikir, POHNPEI (FSM Information Services): August 1, 2006 - Minister Li Zhaoxing of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs began his official visit to the Pacific islands on July 30 2006, with the first stop in the Federated States of Micronesia.

Minister Li's visit is of historic significance, as he becomes the highest Chinese official ever to visit the FSM. The Minister visited the nation's capital in Palikir to pay courtesy calls on President Joseph J. Urusemal and Secretary Sebastian Anefal of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting with President Urusemal, the Minister expressed appreciation for FSM's strong adherence to the One-China policy since the establishment of diplomatic ties over 17 years ago. Minister Li further referenced the need for the two nations to maintain its current cooperative efforts on the various international issues.

President Urusemal welcomed the Foreign Affairs Minister and his delegation to the nation's capital and reiterated his appreciation for the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations. The President acknowledged China's generous assistance to the various nation building efforts undertaken by the FSM.

On the occasion of Minister Li's visit a bilateral agreement totaling 10 million RMB (a little over US $1 million) was signed for economic and technical cooperation, details of which would be later agreed to by both governments.

Minister Li's visit to FSM is a follow-up to a Forum held earlier this year in Fiji on Economic Cooperation and Development between China and several Pacific Island Countries.

Following the FSM visit, the Chinese Foreign Minister is expected to visit the following Pacific Island Countries: Samoa, Niue, the Cook Islands, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea.