China a "non-judgemental" friend Princess tells new Pacific-China Friendship conference [1]
Thursday, October 27, 2016 - 18:15. Updated on Friday, October 28, 2016 - 09:33.
An inaugural Pacific-China Friendship Association conference was opened by HRH Princess Pilolevu, on Wednesday October 26 at the Loumaile Lodge.
The Princess is President of the Tonga-China Friendship Association who hosted the conference for the new regional alliance which she hoped would become prominent in the region to strengthen bonds and foster mutual friendship and cooperation.
"As Pacific Nations we face challenges many others do not, like rising waters due to climate change, increasingly frequent catastrophic weather events, limited land for primary production and restricted economic growth due to population and resources. But there are some things which distinguish us and keeps us strong such as our common bond across the water of the Pacific Ocean and our true friends outside. One such friend is China," she said.
The Princess added, "A true friend is one who is not judgemental, one who is willing to selflessly help if you are in need and one who would always support you….China has been such a friend to us Pacific Nations and I pray this friendship will continue to grow," she said.
She said the new association would provide a framework for Pacific nations to interact in a single forum.
China
Madame Li Xiaolin, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries said their purpose is to enhance friendship, further international cooperation, safeguard world peace and promote common development.
"I am sure PCFA will serve as a bond of friendship and bridge among the people of China and countries of the Pacific region, and help enhance mutual understanding and friendship."
The conference is attended by representatives from the NZ-China Maori Friendship Trust, Fiji-China Friendship, Australia-China Friendship Society, NZ-China Friendship Society, Tahiti-China Friendship Association, the Australia-China Friendship and Exchange Association and others.
Deputy Prime Minister Hon Siaosi Sovaleni, some Cabinet Ministers and members of the Tonga-China Friendship attended the conference, which ends today.