23 Sep 2010

China's defence ministry officials visit Fiji

9:52 am on 23 September 2010

A delegation from China's defence ministry is scheduled visit Fiji's interim Defence Minister today.

Ratu Epeli Ganilau says the group is visiting on its own accord and says the meeting is part of an on-going relationship between the two countries.

He says the two parties will meet this morning but says he does not know what is on China's agenda or what topics will be discussed.

"They will be here in Fiji for two to three days and I'm looking forward to having discussions with them. And I want to reiterate that this is not the first time that a Chinese military delegation has visited Fiji. Our corporation and our defence relations have been going on for a number of years."

Ratu Epeli Ganilau says personnel from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces including himself have also visited China, to attend senior military courses.