(Translation)

5 November 2015, Beijing

His Excellency Ratu Epeli Nailatikau

President of the Republic of Fiji

Suva

Your Excellency Mr. President,

On the occasion of the 40^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Fiji, I wish to extend, on behalf of the Government and the people of the People's Republic of China, as well as in my own name, warm congratulations and best wishes to Your Excellency and through you to the Government and the people of the Republic of Fiji.

Fiji is the first among the Pacific island countries to establish diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China. Since the establishment of the diplomatic relations 40 years ago, China and Fiji have engaged with each other with mutual respect, mutual trust, as well as friendly exchanges and mutually-beneficial cooperation. Last year, I paid a successful state visit to Fiji and our two sides reached consensus on establishing the Strategic Partnership of Mutual Respect and Common Development, which points out the direction for the development of China-Fiji relations.

I stand ready to work with you, to push China-Fiji relations to a new height by strengthening dialogue, exchange and cooperation in various fields, so as to bring more benefits to both our countries and peoples.

May the China-Fiji friendship prosper from generation to generation.

Xi Jinping

President of the People's Republic of China