BEIJING, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday congratulated Sakiasi Ditoka on assuming office as Fiji's minister of foreign affairs and external trade.

Fiji is the first Pacific island country to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, said Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in the message.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 50 years ago, China-Fiji relations have made significant progress, delivering tangible benefits to both peoples, said Wang, noting that the two countries have become comprehensive strategic partners featuring mutual respect and common development.

China attaches great importance to the development of its relations with Fiji and stands ready to enhance dialogue and communication, deepen political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation and promote the sound and steady growth of bilateral relations, he said.