Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa last week hosted a visit by the Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Hui Liangyu, visiting Fiji to deepen ties shared between the two nations.
Fiji’s Ministry of Information permanent secretary Sharon Smith-Johns said the stop to Fiji by the Vice Premier indicates the importance attached to Fiji by the Peoples Republic of China since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 1975.
“Today’s visit symbolises the great importance that both countries attach to each other and is an indication of China’s unwavering commitment to working with Fiji,” Smith-Johns said.
She said that whilst the visit was an opportunity for the Vice Premier to meet with Government officials, it will also be an ideal time for him to experience Fijian hospitality and meet with locals.
Sofitel’s General Manager Adam Laker was among the Fijian ‘locals’ to meet and greet the Chinese Vice Premier.
“Vice Premier Hui is one of the most senior ranking official in the State Council so protocol and traditional welcomes were important, and well delivered by our professional team at the Sofitel,” Laker said.
Accompanied by six Government ministers and top level officials, Vice Premier Hui expressed his country’s commitment to seeing the relationship with Fiji grow adding that with frequent high-level exchanges, China and Fiji had established important cooperative partnership, and cooperation in such fields as trade, agriculture, culture, education and tourism had gradually expanded.