On December 14, 2022, the Chinese Embassy in Vanuatu and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade of Vanuatu jointly held a reception to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Vanuatu in Port Vila. More than 200 people, including Ambassador Li Minggang, Vanuatu Prime Minister Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau, Foreign Minister Jotham Napat, Minister of Education Bruno Leignkone, Minister of Health Rick Mahe, President of the Reunification Movements for Change Charlot Salwai, First Deputy Speaker Gracia Shadrack, Third Deputy Speaker Gloria Julia King, members of diplomatic corps, members of the Vanuatu-China Friendship Association, teachers and students of Vila Central School and overseas Chinese, etc. attended the event.

Ambassador Li said that we gather today to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Vanuatu. Over the past 40 years, China and Vanuatu have always treated each other equally and striven for mutual benefit. China-Vanuatu relations have already been at the forefront of China’s relations with Pacific Island Countries, and become a model of mutual respect, solidarity and coordination between developing countries. Almost at the same time when Vanuatu concluded its parliamentary snap election, the Communist Party of China (CPC) held its 20th National Congress. President Xi Jinping was unanimously elected General Secretary of the 20th CPC Central Committee. This fully reflects the common will of and firm support from 96 million CPC members and 1.4 billion Chinese people. Vanuatu President and many party leaders sent congratulatory letters to General Secretary Xi Jinping, which showcases the high-level mutual trust and firm mutual support between the two countries. Under the guidance of the new leaders of the two countries, China is ready to work together with Vanuatu to promote synergy, further implement the important consensus reached during the visit of State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and deepen practical exchanges and cooperation across the board, so as to inject new impetus to China-Vanuatu comprehensive strategic partnership for the benefit of the two countries and two peoples.

Prime Minister Kalsakau congratulated the success of the 20th CPC National Congress, and spoke highly of the CPC’s tremendous achievements over the past century and more. He said that over the past forty years, Vanuatu and China have enjoyed a vibrant and long lasting relationship based on mutual understanding, long-lasting friendship and genuine collaboration. Vanuatu sincerely thanks the Chinese government for its long-term assistance in various fields, which has played an important role in promoting Vanuatu’s socio-economic development. In June this year, the successful visit of China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Vanuatu marks another significant milestone in our bilateral relationship. Vanuatu remains firmly committed to the one China Policy, and supports the peaceful development of cross strait relations and the efforts made by Chinese government to achieve national reunification. Vanuatu remains confident in the future of Vanuatu-China relations, and is committed to working together with China to promote exchenges and practical cooperation across the board, so as to jointly advance the comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development.

Guests watched the photo exhibitions and videos showing China’s extraordinary achievements made in the new era over the past decade and the fruits of China-Vanuatu practical cooperation, tasted Chinese food, learned Chinese calligraphy, and experienced the magic of Traditional Chinese Medicine. They applauded the remarkable achievements made by the Chinese people under the CPC leadership and the profound Chinese culture, and said the development of China-Vanuatu relations has brought tangible benefits to the country and people of Vanuatu.