On Friday afternoon 20 November 2015 the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Development Forum Mr François Martel received Dr. Ma Peihua, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee, Vice President of China Oceania Friendship Association, at the PIDF Secretariat.
Dr. Ma Peihua is on a short visit to Fiji and yesterday afternoon’s meeting explored how the two sides may push forward the Pacific-China comprehensive partnership and the sustainable stable development of the Pacific’s-China relations. The China- Oceania Friendship Association (COFA) was officially founded on February 23, 2005. Its purpose is to promote friendly relations between the Chinese people and people of the Oceanian region, enhance people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, and safeguard world peace.
Speaking after the meeting Mr Martel said,
“If the world is to move away from emissions intensive development that is threatening the future of the Pacific a new economic model needs to be followed. I am pleased that this afternoon we could discuss this with the visiting Chinese Delegation.” “PIDF firmly believes that national efforts by Pacific Countries to transition to an inclusive green economy must be complemented by an enabling international environment aimed at expanding the development opportunities of the Pacific. All countries of the world including China can be a part of this process.” “China has been a keen supporter of the Pacific and we are very happy that today we could explore with the visiting Chinese Delegation how we can build on this relationship for our mutual benefit.”