Moving away from normal protocols and what is being described as an unprecedented ceremony, Fiji has signed formal diplomatic relations with Armenia in China.

The Fiji Embassy in China confirmed that the signing of the Diplomatic Joint Communiqués in Beijing yesterday between the two countries is historic, as it is believed that this is the first occasion in China that such an event is done in Beijing and outside the United Nations in New York.

The embassy said both governments believe and are confident that this new diplomatic relationship will bring about a new close friendship, better mutual understanding between the people, cultures, way of life and will enhance and promote the developments of all forms of bilateral interests and benefits as well to both countries.

Fiji's Ambassador to China Sir James Michael Ah Koy was authorized to sign the Joint Communiqués in Beijing by Fiji's Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, as a token of the mammoth task and effort undertaken by the Fiji Embassy in Beijing.

The normal protocol is for such communiques to be signed at the UN in New York.

It said in Fiji's drive to win new friends with countries outside the Commonwealth, and those that already have formal diplomatic relations with Fiji, Sir James and Counsellor Major Filipe Alifereti began the one-on-one, face-to-face visits with Resident Ambassadors of 103 countries that are based in Beijing and do not have formal relations with Fiji.

Altogether there are 158 embassies established and resident in Beijing, and 55 of those already have formal diplomatic relations with Fiji.

As a result of these meetings, Fiji's Cabinet has approved the establishment and signing of formal diplomatic relations with 66 countries so far, and the embassy said hopefully these, with the other 37 countries also visited, will be approved also to sign Diplomatic Joint Communiqués with Fiji's Ambassador to the UN in New York, Peter Thomson, as is the protocol.
 
The embassy said having 103 new friends would be a great boom to Fiji's formal diplomatic relationships around the world.