Following is the full text of the Press Communique between China and Fiji, which has been issued in Beijing on December 19:

The Press Communique between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of the Fiji Islands

At the invitation of Premier Zhu Rongji of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, Prime Minister Mahendra Pal Chaudhry of the Fiji Islands paid an official visit to the People' s Republic of China from 13 to 20 December 1999.

During the visit, President Jiang Zemin met with Prime Minister Chaudhry, and Premier Zhu Rongji held official talks with him. They discussed the China-Fiji relations and regional and international issues of mutual interest and reached broad agreement. The two sides signed, among other documents, the Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of the Fiji Islands.

They made a comprehensive review of the existing mutually- beneficial cooperation in the political, economic and trade and other fields since the establishment of diplomatic relations. They both expressed satisfaction with the positive achievements made in these fields and also their readiness to expand and deepen the cross-century friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

The two sides have stated that they will continue the exchange of high-level visits and expand contacts between government departments, the parliaments and the militaries for the purpose of increasing mutual understanding and mutual trust. They have agreed to set up a mechanism of consultations between officials of the foreign ministries of the two countries so as to exchange views on bilateral relations and regional and international issues of mutual interest and to strengthen cooperation.

The two sides hold that there is a bright prospect for bilateral economic cooperation and trade. They have stressed their willingness to work, on the basis of equality and mutual interest, to strengthen cooperation in such fields as trade, the economy, technology, agriculture, fishery, culture, education, military and tourism, and also to support and encourage their relevant departments and enterprises to keep exploring new forms and ways for expanded cooperation.

The two sides have reiterated the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in each other's internal affairs and equality and mutual benefit as enshrined in the Communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Chinese side supports the Fiji government and people in their efforts to safeguard national independence and state sovereignty and develop a peace-oriented self-sufficient economy. The Fiji side reaffirms its pursuance of the one-China policy and recognize the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the whole of China.

The two sides have reiterated their compliance with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and the universally- recognized norms of international law as well as their earnest commitment to the establishment of a fair and rational new international political and economic order. They have stated that on the verge of the new century, the two countries will strengthen mutual cooperation and work together to promote the lofty cause of world peace and development.

The Chinese side has reiterated its continued support to the South Pacific countries in their efforts to seek regional peace and stability and promote economic development and prosperity.

The two sides regard the visit to the People's Republic of China by Prime Minister Mahendra Pal Chaudhry of the Republic of Fiji Islands as a complete success. It is an important major event in China-Fiji bilateral relations, and will give a strong impetus to still greater progress in the friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries in the 21st century.