On February 9th 2004, Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council met with Prime Minister Michael Somare of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea at the Great Hall of the People, who was here on an official visit.
Wen Jiabao said that the bilateral relations between China and Papua New Guinea have made much headway since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1976. Top-level visits between the two countries have been frequent, exchanges and cooperation in various fields expanded and economic and trade relations developed rapidly. Practice has shown that development of friendly and cooperative relations on the basis of "mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit" has brought tangible benefits to both peoples.
Premier Wen also indicted that the Chinese government hopes to make joint efforts with the government of Papua New Guinea to keep the bilateral ties developing continuously. To that end, the Chinese government stands ready to enhance cooperation with Papua New Guinea through the following efforts:
First, maintaining exchanges of top-level visits and expanding relations between the two countries' governments, parliaments and political parties to deepen understanding and build trust.
Second, tapping into existing potentials and expanding scale of economic and trade cooperation. The two sides may put the priority on cooperation in the fields of minerals, fishery, forestry, oil and gas, etc..
Third, actively conducting exchanges and cooperation in fields such as culture, education, news and sports in order to cement the friendly and cooperative relations through non-governmental channels.
Fourthly, enhancing consultation and cooperation in international and regional affairs.
Wen elaborated the stance of the Chinese government on Taiwan issue and spoke highly of adherence to the "one-China" policy by both the government of Papua New Guinea and Somare himself. Speaking of China's policy for the South Pacific Region, Wen said that enhancing the friendly and cooperative relations with countries in this region is an important part of China's foreign policies. China will continue to support efforts by South Pacific island countries to joint forces for self-improvement, spur economic growth and safeguard their due rights and interests. China is ready to strengthen the friendly relations with island countries and regional organizations in the South Pacific Region and joint their efforts to safeguard the interests of developing countries.
Somare expressed appreciation and support for China's important role in the region and in international affairs.He said Papua New Guinea was pleased to see the development of cooperation in various fields between the two countries. He noted that the government and people of Papua New Guinea are thankful to the government and people of China for the equality the latter have exerted in bilateral relations and for the long-term assistance precious to Papua New Guinea, saying that Papua New Guinea deems China its friend indeed, attaches great importance to development of relations with China, and hopes to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of minerals, oil, gas, fishery and forestry, etc.. He welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest in Papua New Guinea.
Somare reiterated that the government of Papua New Guinea adheres to the "one-China" policy and deems Taiwan one of the provinces of China, saying that his government will stick to this policy unswervingly.
After the conclusion of the talks, the two sides signed the governmental agreement on economic and technical cooperation and 5 documents in the respective fields of education, agriculture, minerals, etc.. Prior to the talks, Premier Wen Jiabao hosted a welcome ceremony for Somare, which was also attended by Vice Chairman the Central Committee of China Democratic League Wang Weicheng and Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.
