China will work together with Fiji to push bilateral ties to a new high, Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong said in Nadi, Fiji, Sunday when meeting with Fijian leaders.

China will promote cooperation with Fuji in the fields of economy, technology, agriculture, forestry, fishery, tourism and infrastructure, Zeng said, noting developing such friendly cooperation is in the interests of the two peoples.

Zeng made the remarks when meeting with Fijian President Ratu Josefa Iloilovato Iluivuda and Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase on separate occasions. Zeng is here for a stop-over before starting his official visit to Mexico, Peru, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobagoand Jamaica.

In recent years, Zeng said, contacts at various levels between China and Fiji have been frequent, helping deepen political mutualtrust and expand cooperation.

Zeng said China has listed Fiji as a tourist destination for Chinese citizens and many Chinese enterprises have invested in Fiji.

The Fijian president thanked China for its economic assistance to Fiji, which has played an important role in promoting Fiji's economic and social development and in raising Fijian people's living standard.

The Fijian prime minister said Fiji will continue its efforts to promote bilateral relations. He also expressed thanks for China's support in helping rural infrastructure, agricultural production and sports construction.

Besides the five-nation visit, Zeng is also scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the first Ministerial-level Meeting of the China-Caribbean Economy and Trade Cooperation Forum 2005 in Kingston, capital of Jamaica on Feb. 2.

(Xinhua News Agency January 23, 2005)