Premier and Foreign Minister Dalton Tagelagi of Niue emphasized the importance of mutual respect in fostering international relations and advancing cooperation, during his interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) on Wednesday.
Tagelagi, is in China for the Third China-Pacific Island Countries (PICs) Foreign Ministers' Meeting, which is underway in Xiamen City, Fujian Province, from Wednesday to Thursday.
"Respect is about everything. When we talk about everyone or some of the questions that we look, for us, especially in Niue, we're losing most of the traditional knowledge because of those have passed on, that we rely heavily on modern technologies instead of embracing our true cultures and values and the traditional knowledge, something that now China have that very strong connection and passing on from the older generations to generations (to come). And I think they are in the same. So that's important for Pacific to have the cooperation, the working relationship with China. We see that it's very important for us," said Tagelagi.
The Niuean premier expressed optimism that his discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi would strengthen bilateral relations and foster deeper engagement across the Pacific region.
"That I felt this morning after my bilateral with Minister Wang Yi, is that you can feel that sense of genuine between our relationship. And it's not only for Niue, but I guess it will also with the Pacific, because the Pacific especially here to have that dialogue with the minister on behalf of the people of China," he said.
The two-day event, running from May 28 to 29, will facilitate in-depth exchanges of views on all-round cooperation between China and Pacific Island countries, as well as on international and regional issues of mutual interest.
Niue premier highlights importance of mutual respect in regional, bilateral relations
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on the organization's member states to respect international law in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's latest remarks that he doesn't need international law.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the secretary-general, said at a press conference on Friday that the UN chief's reaction to Trump's remarks "is to redouble his message to all member states to respect the international law they themselves created".
In an interview with The New York Times on Wednesday, Trump declared that his global power is constrained only by his "own morality", saying it's the only thing that can stop him.
When asked whether his administration needs to abide by international law, Trump said he would be the arbiter when such constraints applied to the United States.
"It depends what your definition of international law is," he said.
The New York Times report said Trump's assessment of his own freedom to use any instrument of military, economic or political power to cement American supremacy was the most blunt acknowledgment yet of his worldview. At its core is the concept that national strength, rather than laws, treaties and conventions, should be the deciding factor as powers collide.
The United States launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela in the early hours of Jan 3, taking by force Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
Maduro made his first court appearance on Jan 5 in New York, during which he pleaded not guilty to all U.S. charges.
Amid tensions with Venezuela, Trump has claimed the United States absolutely needs Greenland, saying he might try "hard ways" to take over the island, which has a strategically critical position and rich resources.
The latest U.S. moves have drawn worldwide condemnation for its violation of Venezuela's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and international law.
UN chief calls for respect for international law in response to Trump’s remarks
