On August 8, H.E. Cai Jinbiao, Chinese Ambassador to Fiji hosted the groundbreaking ceremony of the new premises of the Chinese Embassy in Fiji at the construction site. Honourable Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Co-operation and Civil Aviation attended the ceremony as the chief guest. More than 150 guests from diplomatic missions, international and regional organizations, local Chinese communities and enterprises also witnessed this historical moment.

In his remarks, Amb. Cai said that August 8, 2008 is a special date for the Chinese people. In less than fifteen hours, the flames of the 29th Olympic Games will be lighted in Beijing. In the Chinese traditional culture, number "Eight" means auspiciousness, prosperity and happiness. The opening ceremony of the 29th Olympic Games is scheduled at 8:00 pm on 8 August Beijing time. This is a special and sweet wish from the Chinese people in bidding the Beijing Olympic Games a resounding success. The holding of the Beijing Olympic Games not only has helped the Chinese people materialize our century-old dream, but also will bear the weight of strong aspiration of peace loving people across the whole world. The reason why we hold the groundbreaking ceremony on this auspicious date is that we hope the project, a joint effort of our two sides, will be conducted smoothly.

Amb. Cai said, since the diplomatic relations between China and Fiji were established in November 1975, our bilateral relations have made great progress. There have been increasing exchanges between the two countries at various levels. And the bilateral cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, culture, education, public health and tourism has been fruitful. The sustainable development of China-Fiji relations can not be achieved without all sorts of necessary conditions, or in other words software and hardware. We now have good enough software, which means the friendship between the two peoples, who sincerely hope the friendly Sino-Fijian tree will bear even more fresh fruits. However, as for the part of the hardware, the current Chinese Embassy premises, which is the product of the 70s of the last century, is really out of date and needs to be updated without delay. The new Chinese Embassy premises will enable us to provide better services to our Fijian friends and local Chinese communities, and further promote the China-Fiji relations.

Hon. Nailatikau said, the association between Chinese and Fijian people has been a long and friendly one. It has in fact been strengthened by the passing of time. Since our bilateral relationship is based on a history of commercial, political, educational and cultural ties, and we have common interests in the welfare of our people that have allowed us to develop a warm understanding and appreciation of each other. While our ties are undeniably strong, because they are important to us, they should not be taken for granted and there is clearly much work to be done to ensure that they are maintained and strengthened. This important ceremony is seen by the government and people of Fiji as bearing testimony to the great importance China places on her relationship with Fiji. It is also seen as a commitment by the Chinese government to promote and develop trade, business investment and the political relations between our two countries. The ceremony opens a new chapter of friendship, unity and togetherness between our two countries. Hon. Nailatikau also congratulates the Chinese government and people for hosting Beijing Olympics and wishes the Games a success.