Chinese, Kiribati Presidents Lauds Bilateral TiesChinese President Jiang Zemin and Kiribati President Teburoro Tito lauded the development of bilateral ties on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.In a message to Tito marking the anniversary which falls on Sunday, President Jiang said, the occasion is "an important milestone" in the history of the relations between China and Kiribati. Over the past two decades, "the friendly relations and cooperation between our two countries have been developing steadily as marked by continuing expansion of our contacts in various fields and increased strengthening of our cooperation in the international and regional affairs," the Chinese president said. Jiang said that China always attaches importance to developing relations and cooperation with Kiribati on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. He said that the relationship between the two countries will surely have "a still greater development in the new century." Echoing the same sentiment in his message to Jiang, President Tito said that Kiribati is "equally committed" to continuing to work cooperatively with the Chinese government in the New Millennium in further promoting the bilateral relations and cooperation. The Kiribati president said, "On looking back on the 20 years that our countries have entered into diplomatic relations, I am pleased to note that such relations have progressed constructively." Tito expressed appreciation over China's assistance and support to Kiribati over the past 20 years, which have "contributed meaningfully" to the improved livelihood of the Kiribati people. He said that his country remains committed to the principle embodied in the Communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and will continue to adhere to the "One China" policy on the Taiwan issue. |
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