Caption – Major General Qian Lihua is received at the RFMF Camp today.
A high powered military delegation from the People’s Republic of China met today with the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.
Headed by Major General Qian Lihua , Chief of the Foreign Affairs Office in China’s Ministry of Defence, the delegation discussed matters regarding increasing defence cooperation between both countries.
The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for China’s continued support to Fiji in terms of nation building and defence assistance. China’s support towards Fiji’s military has seen the deployment of machinery towards infrastructure developments across the country to support rural development projects. This includes the construction of roads and bridges in rural or remote communities.
This latest development will also see an increased assistance in vehicles, uniforms and stationery equipment as well as training opportunities for defence personnel.
Major Lihua was accompanied by Chinese Ambassador to Fiji, His Excellency Huang Yong and was accorded a full traditional ceremony of welcome at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks.
In 2011, the military forces received road construction and maintenance vehicles from the Peoples Republic of China which is assisting government with its rural development projects which is also being implemented by the Fiji Military Forces.
Chinas partnership and bilateral relations with Fiji was strengthened following the smart sanctions imposed by Australia and New Zealand in 2007of which the Prime Minster has acknowledged this support and friendship.
MINFO