Beijing, May 27th—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with Marc Ati, leader of the Iauko Group (IG) and Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade of Vanuatu.  

Liu said that Vanuatu is a good friend and partner of China. China appreciates Vanuatu's firm adherence to the one-China principle and is willing to work with Vanuatu to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, continue to firmly support each other on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns, and deepen practical cooperation in various fields. China and Pacific Island Countries (PICs) share a traditional friendship. The current international situation is turbulent and complex. China is committed to, together with PICs, expanding exchanges and cooperation, meeting global challenges, and promoting the building of a closer China-PICs community with a shared future.  

Liu said that the deepening exchanges between Chinese and Vanuatu political parties have become an important channel for both sides to enhance political mutual trust and consolidate relations between the two countries. The CPC is willing to work with the IG to jointly implement the memorandum of understanding to be signed by the two Parties, strengthen inter-party exchanges, deepen exchanges of concepts, and promote exchanges and cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, investment, culture, tourism, local-level engagement, and civil society through the "political party +" model. 

Ati said, Vanuatu attaches great importance to its relations with China, adheres to the one-China principle, and is willing to comprehensively strengthen cooperation in various fields such as economy and trade with China, expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and promote the sustainable development of bilateral relations. This visit marks the formal establishment of relations between the IG and the CPC. We are deeply honored and are willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields with the CPC to bring greater benefits to the people of the two countries. 

After the meeting, the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding on establishing inter-party relations between the CPC and the IG. 

Lu Kang, Vice-minister of the IDCPC, exchanged views with Ati on the same day.