Shen Xin (center), secretary general of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, KS Vincent Sivas (left), Ambassador of Micronesia to China, and the Solomon Islands Ambassador to China, Barrett Salato, pose for a group photo before cutting a cake at the reception in Beijing, on September 13, 2024. Photo: cpaffc.org.cn

A reception was held to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the 5th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Solomon Islands in Beijing on September 13. 

Shen Xin, secretary general of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, KS Vincent Sivas, Ambassador of Micronesia to China, and Barrett Salato, Ambassador of Solomon Islands to China, attended the reception and delivered speeches.

Shen said that the friendly exchanges between China and the people of Pacific Island countries have a longstanding history. 

In recent years, the two sides have actively expanded cooperation in various fields, which has not only enhanced the well-being of the people on both sides, but also made important contributions to regional peace, stability, and development.

Looking into the future, China is willing to work together with countries in the Pacific region to continue to deepen friendly exchanges and practical cooperation between the two sides and promote continuous new progress in China-Pacific friendly cooperative relations, he said. 

Ambassador Sivas said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the FSM and China, the exchanges and cooperation in various fields such as politics, economy, and culture have been continuously deepened, while mutual understanding and trust have been continuously strengthened. Under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), cooperation between the two sides has greatly benefited the people of the two countries, he affirmed. 

It is expected that the two sides will continue to expand friendship and cooperation in the future, the ambassador noted. 

Ambassador Salato said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the two sides have carried out a number of development cooperation projects, which have provided a solid foundation for the development of bilateral relations.

The Solomon Islands is willing to work with China in the future to push bilateral relations to a new level, he said. 

Students from the Minzu University of China and their counterparts from the Solomon Islands, who are studying in China, performed folk songs and dances at the reception.