Cook Islands Govt Reaffirms One-China PrincipleThe leaders of the Cook Islands have reaffirmed that the government will persist in its One-China principle.The reaffirmation was made when they met with Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand and also to the Cook Islands Chen Wenzhao during his visit to the Pacific Island country from August 2 to 6. During his stay in the Cook Islands, Chen called on Queen's Representative Sir Apenera Short, Prime Minister Terepai Maoate, Deputy Prime Minister Norman George, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Agriculture Robert Woonton. The leaders of the Cook Islands and Ambassador Chen expressed, during their meetings, their satisfaction over the healthy growth of the Sino-Cook Islands relations since the two countries established their diplomatic relations three years ago. The leaders of the Cook Islands told Ambassador Chen that the government and people of the Cook Islands sincerely thank the Chinese government and people for their support and assistance to the economic and social development in the country. They highly spoke of China's foreign policy which upholds the principle of "All countries, big or small, should be equal." The leaders of the Cook Islands reaffirmed that the government of the Cook Islands will, as always in the past, persist in its One-China principle and support the position of the Chinese government on the Taiwan issue. Ambassador Chen expressed his thanks to the government of the Cook Island for its position on the issue. During his stay in the Cook Islands, Ambassador Chen also attended celebrations the government of the Cook Islands organized for the 35 anniversary of the Constitution Day. On August 2, he hosted a reception in celebration of the third anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Cook Islands. At the reception, Ambassador Chen read out a message from Chinese President Jiang Zemin to Chief of State of the Cook Islands Sir Apenera Short, warmly greeting the 35th anniversary of the Constitution Day of the Pacific island country. Ambassador Chen also met with Opposition Leader and former Prime Minister Sir Geoffrey Henry. |
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