The friendship between China and Fiji is deeply rooted in the hearts of our people, says Chinese Ambassador Zhang Ping.

Many attended the Chinese New Year Reception at the Chinese Embassy in Nasese, Suva yesterday.

Those attending the reception with members of the Chinese community, included the President Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote, First Lady, Sarote Konrote, Chief Justice Anthony Gates, Government ministers and members of the Diplomatic corps,

They were all present to welcome the Year of the Rooster.

Mr Zhang said 2016 had been the year of further deepening the strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development between China and Fiji.

“Over the last year, the two sides have been working hard to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of our two countries and have achieved fruitful results in our bilateral relations,” Mr Zhang said.

He said the rooster symbolises bright prospect and auspiciousness.

“The upcoming new Year of the Rooster will present new hopes and opportunities to China-Fiji co-operation.

“China has become Fiji’s largest source of foreign investment and fastest growing market for Fiji tourism,” he said.

On Tuesday, Fiji Airways had made its inaugural Rosie Holidays charter flight from Hangzhou, China, bringing 300 Chinese tourists to Fiji for the New Year Holidays.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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