ALOFI, Niue, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese embassy in New Zealand held a reception on Friday evening in South Pacific island country Niue to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).
At the opening speech at the reception attended by over 100 people, Wu Xi, China's ambassador to New Zealand, the Cook Islands and Niue, said over the past 12 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Niue, bilateral relations have progressed well with ongoing and constructive cooperation across fields such as fisheries and tourism.
"The ring road upgrade supported by China is progressing steadily, and we have achieved tangible results in international and regional affairs through close and trusting communication."
Wu stressed that one of the greatest challenges facing island countries is climate change. China attaches great importance to the special concerns and legitimate demands of Pacific island countries in combatting climate change and has supported island countries to strengthen regional cooperation.
"China will continue to provide assistance within its capacity to Pacific island countries through South-South cooperation to help them improve their capacities in combatting climate change, and support island countries to bring more 'Pacific Voice' in the multilateral process of climate change," Wu said.
Minister for Social Services of Niue, Billy Graham Talagi congratulated China on the 70th anniversary of the PRC. He said he looked forward to the perform of the China National Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, adding that it's the first time that Niue hosts such an orchestra from any country.
The China National Symphony Orchestra made a special trip to perform for the Niuean people this week to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 45th anniversary of the Constitution Day of Niue.
Niue's granting by the New Zealand Parliament in 1974 is celebrated yearly as its independence on "Constitution Day" on Oct. 19.
