Micronesia praises CPC approach as ties hailed

The president of the Federated States of Micronesia, David W. Panuelo, has hailed the people-centered approach of the Communist Party of China, saying it is key to the vitality that the Party has always maintained.

He made the remarks in the lead-up to the CPC's centenary and conveyed his thanks for the great bilateral friendship.

"From the perspective of the FSM, we get the sense that the CPC is accountable to the people of China and dedicated to their needs," he told reporters in a video link interview.

"China has eliminated absolute poverty and the average incomes of Chinese citizens have achieved drastic increases, which I witnessed during my visit to China," he said.

Panuelo also applauded the role and responsibility of the Chinese people under the leadership of the CPC in combating the coronavirus.

China made people's lives and health its first priority and adopted a swift response to prevent and control its spread, he said.

"We have seen the Chinese people follow the guidance of Chinese government in fighting COVID-19 and a sense of normalcy is returning in many places in China now," he said.

Since he became FSM president in 2019, Panuelo has been dedicated to the development of bilateral relations and to upholding the one-China principle. "Mutual respect is a value that is deeply rooted in our culture," he said, adding it is a good foundation upon which cooperation unfolds. Although the FSM is small, it has always been treated in an equal and respectful manner by China, he said.

Friendship nurtured

China was the first country to support the national liberation movement of the FSM. The friendship has been nurtured and developed and China has been providing assistance for the development of his nation.

Since the two established diplomatic ties in 1989, China and the Federated States of Micronesia have respected, trusted and supported each other. Practical cooperation has brought real benefits to the peoples of both countries.

Panuelo also highly appreciated the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind proposed by China and expressed willingness to jointly contribute to the Belt and Road Initiative in a proactive manner.

Panuelo vowed his country stood ready to work with China and the rest of the world to make concerted efforts in tackling global issues.

"If two people unite, they can move Mount Tai," he quoted a Chinese proverb as saying.

He spoke highly of China's efforts in addressing climate change and believes China could contribute its governance experience and approaches to the global community.

When talking about the Pacific Island Countries-China Political Leadership Dialogue, which was organized by the International Department of the CPC Central Committee and concluded last week, Panuelo considered it a constructive platform for both sides to exchange ideas.

zhaojia@chinadaily.com.cn