1. FIJI & CHINA LEADERS HOLD TALKS IN NANJING CITY – Strengthening relations between Fiji and the People’s Republic of China topped talks held this week between the two countries’ leaders in Nanjing City, China.
2. LOOK NORTH POLICY TO INCLUDE SPORTS DEVELOPMENT – Government will continue to include the sporting sector in its Look North Policy as it pursues development in the northern division in the country.
3. CHINESE HOSPITAL SHIP TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IN FIJI – The Chinese Naval ‘Peace Ark’ hospital ship is expected to visit to Fiji later this week to provide relevant medical services for Fijians.
1. FIJI & CHINA LEADERS HOLD TALKS IN NANJING CITY
Strengthening relations between Fiji and the People’s Republic of China topped talks held this week between the two countries’ leaders in Nanjing City, China.
The Fijian Head of State H.E Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and the President of the Peoples Republic of China H.E Xi Jinping held bilateral talks this week in China where both leaders agreed to deepen relations.
The Fijian Ministry of Foreign Affairs permanent secretary Amena Yauvoli was present at the talks in Nanjing and said the discussions between the two Leaders focused on a number of wide ranging issues. He said that this included assistance towards the improvement of Fiji’s roading network, assistance in the health sector and strengthening trade and economic opportunities between the two nations.
“The meeting was a success given that the two leaders focused on deepening and strengthening bilateral and political relations,” Mr Yauvoli said.
80 million RMB which is equivalent to FJD 25 million has been provided by the Chinese Government as a token of goodwill from the Peoples Republic of China and her people. The Permanent Secretary said the amount provided by China is targeted towards Fiji’s economic and sustainable development.
“Talks also centered on Fiji sending senior civil servants for political training in China,” Yauvoli said.
During talks, the Fijian President extended an invitation to his Chinese counterpart to visit Fiji before the end of the year.
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2. LOOK NORTH POLICY TO INCLUDE SPORTS DEVELOPMENT
Government will continue to include the sporting sector in its Look North Policy as it pursues development in the northern division in the country.
This message was highlighted by the Ministry of Youth and Sports permanent secretary Josefa Sania as he addressed more than 2,000 netball athletes in Labasa today.
The athletes representing the 22 districts in Fiji were welcomed by the permanent secretary at the opening of the Fiji Primary Schools Netball Championship in Subrail Park, Labasa.
In officiating at the event, Sania also congratulated the Northern Division for their determination to host the event.
“For those who have traveled from Viti Levu this is your opportunity to enjoy the Northern hospitality.”
“There are plans to build a stadium in Seaqaqa here in Macuata, with features of a standardised stadium with athletic tracks and other facilities to cater for more sports events.”
He said the willingness of the young players and their parents with coaches and teachers to travel to the North will not only boost the economy but contribute to the development of the sport of netball.
A parent for the U9 netball team of Northland Tailevu Isabel Singh said the netball competition has been a boost for her daughter in terms of education and having an opportunity to represent her district.
“These netters may not be bright in school but the sport should be able to take them somewhere in the future and if parents continue to encourage their children both in sport and studying then their future in Fiji will be brighter.”
Meanwhile Mr Sania reminded participants at today’s opening on the decision by Cabinet earlier this year to add a new public holiday as National Sports Day. This will begin in 2015.
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3. CHINESE HOSPITAL SHIP TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IN FIJI
The Chinese Naval ‘Peace Ark’ hospital ship is expected to visit to Fiji later this week to provide relevant medical services for Fijians.
The vessel is a first of its kind and is construction was designed to be a medical vessel and to provide services to communities and countries.
Political Counsellor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Fiji Yang Zhaohui highlighted that the visit will consolidate and strengthen the traditional friendship between people in China and the South Pacific countries.
“The ship will provide humanitarian health services to the people and they will serve 400 outpatients for each day during the visit,” Counsellor Zhaohui said.
“Serving as peace messenger, the Peace Ark embodies China’s New Security Concept with peace, development and co-operation.”
Mr Zhaohui adds as it fourth session of the “Mission Harmony”, the PLA Navy Hospital Ship Peace Ark will visit Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea. This is major military exchange activity between China and the South Pacific countries this year.
The ship has about 100 medical staff in 22 specialties, among which there are 15 clinical departments such as respirations, internal medicine, digestion internal medicine, orthopaedics and general surgery.
The vessel also has 7 auxiliary departments such as blood transfusion department, radiology department and pathology.
The naval vessel is expected to arrive this Friday on the 22nd till the 29th of this month and will open to members of the public for visitation purposes.
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