Minister for Foreign Affairs of Vanuatu
　　I am deeply honoured to welcome you to visit Vanuatu Embassy official website. The appointment of the first Ni-Vanuatu Ambassador to China and the establishment of the Embassy of Vanuatu herald a new chapter in Vanuatu's relations with the People's Republic of China. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on March 26 1982, China and Vanuatu have enjoyed a vibrant and long lasting relationship based on mutual understanding, friendship and genuine cooperation. Both governments have made tireless efforts and cooperation endeavors to promote and further strengthen friendship and cooperation for the benefit of our respective peoples and nations.
　　Vanuatu's relations with China and the adherence to the One-China policy are one of the fundamental pillars of Vanuatu's foreign policy. In February of 2005, His Excellency Premier Wen Jiabao and the Prime Minister of Vanuatu Ham LINI signed here in Beijing a Joint Statement reaffirming Vanuatu's longstanding commitment to One-China. The Government of Vanuatu's decision to upgrade the Consulate to full ambassadorial level soon after, is a strong recognition of this common interest to elevate this friendship to another level.
　　My Government will continue to uphold China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This manifestation of our common philosophy and principles are clearly entrenched in the political party agreements that have been established with the Communist Party of China.

The Political relationship that Vanuatu initially established with China has grown stronger and steadily. This has fostered other dimensions of cooperation, particularly in areas of economic cooperation. I am pleased to note that today China is recognized as one of Vanuatu's major development partners.

In the region China's close partnership with the Pacific is one that we welcome. As a full dialogue partner of the Pacific Islands Forum China also plays a leading role in addressing issues that impact on paths that lead to development of the Pacific Region.

The opening of the Vanuatu Embassy also heralds Vanuatu's admission into the diplomatic fraternity here in Beijing. These developments have created more windows for exchanges, and increases opportunities for more contacts that will enable us to better understand each other. As a friend, Vanuatu stands ready to play its part to promote and work on all spheres of interest to all sides, from politics to development cooperation.

China's open door policy offers investment opportunities to both developed and developing countries. Therefore, I would like to see more Chinese business people and enterprises promoting our bilateral relations by extending programs to Vanuatu. The Vanuatu Embassy will put major emphasis in this area. Through it, the Chinese business people, Vanuatu can be able to improve its trade, investment and tourism activities.

As a small island-developing nation, Vanuatu is also a Least Developed Country confronted by many development challenges. In its endeavor to address these, the Vanuatu Government's national development priorities focus on building the productive sector. The Government's Prioritized Action Agenda highlights the policy areas we believe are essential in meeting our development objectives and is the catalyst for Vanuatu's medium to long term strategic planning which emphasizes the need to empower our rural population through infrastructure and capacity building initiatives.

I am extremely pleased to note that China's development assistance program to Vanuatu focuses on this vital sector. Fundamental to sustainable economic growth and investor confidence is political stability and I am pleased to share that our political leaders have recognized this essentiality in national development. Under the Comprehensive Reform Program the Government is focusing on private sector led growth with Government only facilitating.

The Vanuatu Government is determined to work closely with you, the business people of China, who are prepared to doing business in Vanuatu. We are committed to attracting more investments from China will stimulate economic growth. I am optimistic there are good prospects ahead of us provided that the environment is right and that we understand better of each other.

Cultural exchanges and people to people contact cultivate friendships, and this is critically important as nations work together to maintain world peace and promoting common development. The Embassy of Vanuatu to China will work to support that common objective. I express my Government's deepest gratitude to the People and Government of China for its support and friendship. As China gradually take its place as a major economic force in the world today we look forward to its close partnership with the developing world in enhancing a world that is fair and better place for all.

And finally with the Olympics just over two years away, I wish the people of China, and the Olympic city, Beijing, the best ever Games.