Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Kiribati President Taneti Maamau on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Sept. 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)
UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Friday called for efforts to advance China-Kiribati relations to new heights and better benefit the two peoples.
Han made the remarks when meeting with Kiribati President Taneti Maamau in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Han conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping's cordial greetings and best wishes to Maamau.
He said that since the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Kiribati in 2019, bilateral ties have developed rapidly under the strategic guidance of President Xi and President Maamau, with deepening political mutual trust, fruitful practical cooperation and steadily expanding people-to-people exchanges.
Facts have shown that the resumption of diplomatic relations serves the fundamental and long-term interests of the two peoples, Han said.
China attaches great importance to China-Kiribati relations and stands ready to work with Kiribati to continue consolidating the political foundation of bilateral relations, expand practical cooperation in various fields, strengthen coordination in multilateral affairs and advance bilateral ties to new heights, so as to better benefit the two peoples, Han said.
Maamau asked Han to convey his warm greetings to President Xi and the Chinese people, saying that Kiribati-China relations are based on mutual respect and mutual understanding and have continued to reach new heights since the resumption of diplomatic ties.
Kiribati firmly adheres to the one-China policy and looks forward to further consolidating the sound momentum of bilateral relations, strengthening communication and exchanges, and striving for more outcomes in cooperation across various fields to contribute to the development and prosperity of both countries and the well-being of their peoples, Maamau said. ■
