On November 21 local time, President Xi Jinping arrived in Nadi for his state visit to Fiji, and will hold a meeting with the leaders of the Pacific Island countries having diplomatic relationship with China.

At about 6:20 pm local time, Xi Jinping’s special plane arrived at the Nadi International Airport. The plane taxied along the runway and passed through an “arc of water”, which is a courteous reception given to the most distinguished guests by the local people to express their welcome. Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama of Fiji and his wife greeted Xi Jinping and his wife Mme. Peng Liyuan at the ramp.

Bainimarama held a grand welcome ceremony at the airport. The military band played the national anthem of China. Xi Jinping reviewed the guard of honor. Then Xi Jinping returned to the reviewing stand, and the military band played the national anthem of China again. Xi Jinping and Bainimarama introduced their accompanying officials to each other.

Xi Jinping pointed out that Fiji was the first country to establish the diplomatic relationship with China in the region of Pacific Island countries. Since the establishment of the diplomatic relationship 39 years ago, the two countries have constantly deepened political mutual trust and yielded fruitful achievements in practical cooperation. I expect to discuss with the leaders of Fiji about cooperation in various fields and paint the blueprint for the bilateral relations. I will also hold a group meeting in Nadi with the leaders of eight Pacific Island countries to discuss the great cause of deepening mutually beneficial cooperation and promoting common development. I believe that this visit will promote China’s friendly relations with Fiji and other Pacific Island countries to a new level.

Wang Huning, Li Zhanshu, Yang Jiechi and other accompanying officials arrived by the same plane.

H.E. Huang Yong, Chinese Ambassador to Fiji, also greeted Xi Jinping at the airport.

It was after concluding the state visit to New Zealand that Xi Jinping arrived in Nadi. When he left Auckland, Prime Minister John Key of New Zealand and his wife and others saw him off at the airport.