On August 6, 2010, the 22nd Post-Forum Dialogue Meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) was held in Port Vila, capital of Vanuatu. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai, and Du Qiwen, China's special envoy to the China-Pacific Islands Forum Dialogue, attended the dialogue meeting. Chinese Ambassador to Vanuatu Cheng Shuping accompanied them during relevant activities.

Scene of the 22nd Post-Forum Dialogue Meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum

Addressing the meeting, Cui introduced the Chinese government's policy towards the Pacific island countries. The Chinese government attaches great importance to developing friendly cooperative relations with the Pacific island countries and will continue to provide them economic and technological assistance, he said. "China is ready to maintain the high-level exchanges, deepen economic and trade cooperation, expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges and further strengthen cooperation with regional organizations of island countries," said Cui. "China will push its relations with the island countries for greater progress based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence," he added.

Cui also expounded China's positions on helping the Pacific island countries tackle global challenges brought about by the international financial crisis and climate change, and achieve sustainable development and the UN Millennium Development Goals. Cui said China will continue to help the Pacific island countries build capacity to tackle the global financial crisis and climate change, and support the sustainable economic and social development of the island countries.

Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai addresses the meeting

The Forum members welcomed the Chinese government sending representatives to attend the Dialogue Meeting, and appreciated China's positive efforts in promoting the economic and social development of the Pacific island countries. The Forum members said they are looking forward to strengthening cooperation with China in a wide range of areas.

The PIF members and dialogue partners take a group photo

The 15 members of the Pacific Islands Forum focused discussions with PIF dialogue partners including China, the United States, Japan, the European Union and the UK on issues like the challenges of climate change and the global financial crisis to island countries and the international community's support for development aid to island countries.