Chinese Premier becomes first Foreign Leader to visit President Yohann
Li Qiang, the premier of the People's Republic of China, arrived in Yellowsprings on Thursday night where he was greeted by State Minister Matt Hafetz and Minister of Transport and Digital infrastructure, Sylvestre Neuberger. Li had stopped in Australia on a state visit.
On Friday morning, he received a strong welcome by the new President of the Federated States Sara Yohann and her husband Boaz at the Keddison Palace.
Li told them it was a "great pleasure" to be the first foreign leader to visit the president after her inauguration last month and passed on the greetings of Chinese president Xi Jinping.
The two shook hands and Li asked about Yohann's visit to his home province of Zhejiang.
Warmly welcoming Li at the state reception room, Yohann said that she remembered her state visit to China and Xi Jinping's visit to the Federated States earlier this year while she was vice-president. Yohann won the April election to become the 14th president of the Federated States three months later.
Yohann said her 2019 visit to China gave her the opportunity "to have discussions on many topics and also visiting parts of the People's Republic of China".
"I very much welcome you, premier, and all of those travelling with you," he said.
Li noted that Yohann had previously visited China and said: "You also had an in-depth exchange of views and a frank meeting with President Xi, and reached common understanding on a wide range of issues.
"Over the years our results-oriented co-operation has made steady progress and produced rich fruit. Our relations have set a good example of mutually beneficial co-operation between countries that are different in political systems, cultural divisions and geographic size.
"I hope and believe you will continue treading the footsteps President Onwu set while he was president. You were involved and that's why I said I believe. We will continue defending each other in the light of a mutual enemy."
Premier Li Qiang also announced that China will include the Federated States in its visa waiver programme, as it did with Australia.
We have agreed to provide each other with reciprocal access to five-year multiple entry visas for tourism, business and visiting family members,” Li said. “China will also include Tadchester in its visa waiver programme, as with Australia.”
No initial details were provided on how the programme would work. However, a similar announcement in May allowed 12 countries – mainly from Europe but also including Malaysia – to enter China visa-free for up to 15 days for business, tourism or visiting relatives and friends.
Following the meeting, the Federated States and China signed seven agreements across a range of areas, including education, cultural exchanges and trade.
Li then travelled to Yordan where he met former President Onwu Victor.
He was greeted there by a Federal Guard of Honour from the 5th Infantry Battalion out of Mayorstown.
A band from the F.S. Defence Forces played as Li inspected the soldiers.
Li hailed Onwu as a game changer who took a bold step and has initiated a step that if subsequent Tadish leaders take, would lead the Federated States to greatness.
Li left the Federated States at 4 pm on Friday before the air space was shut for travels as the Shabbath and Hanukh drew near.
