Chinese president meets Vanuatu prime minister

Chinese President Xi Jinping met on Tuesday with Vanuatu Prime Minister Sato Kilman in Beijing, vowing to keep offering the South Pacific country economic and technical aid as it recovers from being hit by a cyclone in March.

Xi welcomed Kilman for his attendance of the upcoming commemorations of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Over the past few years, Xi said, the China-Vanuatu relationship has brought tangible benefit for both peoples.

China is willing to work with Vanuatu to expand exchanges between central governments, legislatures, parties and local governments, and deepen practical cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, tourism and other areas, he said.

According to the president, China's aid comes with no political strings attached, and the government is encouraging Chinese entrepreneurs to invest in the islands country.

China has always paid great attention to and supported the reasonable demands of Pacific islands countries like Vanuatu to address global challenges and boost sustainable development, and China is ready to enhance communication and coordination with Vanuatu on such major issues as the United Nation's post-2015 development agenda and climate change.

Kilman said he appreciated China's support for his country, saying Vanuatu hopes to keep cooperating with China in national development.

Cyclone Pam, the most intense tropical storm in the Southern Hemisphere this year, devastated Vanuatu. China's aid included 30 million yuan (4.87 million U.S. dollars) worth of relief supplies in the form of food, water, tents and generators. Endi