On August 1, local time, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands Jim Marurai met with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

At the meeting, Li said in recent years the friendly cooperative relations between China and the Cook Islands have developed continuously in the fields of politics, trade and economy, and culture, along with ever-deepening of mutual understanding and friendship. Last year, bilateral trade volume was nearly 6 million US dollars with programs on personnel training and exchanges developing smoothly.

Li emphasized the Chinese government has always held all countries, big or small, strong or weak, poor or rich, are equal members of the international community. China attaches great importance to the development of friendly relations with the Cook Islands and is willing to work together with the Cook Islands to strengthen cooperation in economy, trade and other areas and further promote bilateral ties, Li said.

Marurai said since the establishment of diplomatic ties, exchanges at all levels between his country and China have been continuously strengthened and the bilateral relations based on mutual benefit and cooperation have progressed steadily. He pointed out that China's support and aid have played a positive role in his country's socio-economic development. The Cook Islands is willing to increase exchanges and reinforce cooperation with China in such fields as trade and economy, tourism, and personnel training to push for bilateral relations. Marurai reiterated that the government of the Cook Islands adheres to the one-China policy.

During his stay on the Cook Islands, Li also held talks with Foreign Minister of the Cook Islands Wilkie Rasmussen on the development of bilateral relations, as well as regional and international issues of common concern.