Fiji thanks China for funding Presidential Compound fence repairs

Fijian President Jioji Konrote received a sum of 500,000 Fiji dollars (240,350 U.S. dollars) Wednesday from Chinese Ambassador Zhang Ping for the repairs to the fence at the Presidential Compound, thanking China for the timely assistance.

"I thank you sincerely for your offer to help with the repair of the fence at the Presidential Compound. This assistance is of course in addition to the ongoing and deepening bilateral relations and cooperation between our two countries," Konrote said, adding that he is honored to receive the grant on behalf of the government and people of Fiji, a tropical island country vulnerable to natural disasters such as hurricanes.

The existing fence at Fiji's Presidential Compound was built in 2009, also through a grant from the Chinese government.

"You will certainly have seen the deteriorating state of the fence and this is why I am very grateful for your timely assistance," Konrote told Zhang.

The repairs project will bring a lot of pride to the people of Fiji upon its completion, said Konrote.

"I intend to open up the State House and the Presidential Compound when all the upgrading works have been completed so that interested Fijians may visit and appreciate the property, which in essence belongs to all Fijians. I am sure that tourists will also appreciate visiting Fiji's Presidential Compound and State House during the open days," Konrote said.

The Fijian president said he looks forward to strengthening the existing friendly relations, which will have a positive and fruitful effect on the people of the two countries. Endit