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Wang Yi Meets with Prime Minister Peter O'Neill of Papua New Guinea

2018-10-31 15:00

On October 31, 2018, Prime Minister Peter O'Neill of Papua New Guinea met with State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Port Moresby.

Peter O'Neill asked Wang Yi to convey his warm greetings to President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang. He said that Papua New Guinea is an important close friend of China in the region of the Pacific Island countries. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the relations between the two countries have continuously developed, reaching the best level in history. The one-China policy is the cornerstone of diplomatic relations between Papua New Guinea and China. On behalf of Papua New Guinean government, I would like to reiterate that the Papua New Guinean side will continue to firmly pursue the one-China policy. The Papua New Guinean government and people appreciate the Chinese side's valuable assistance for social and economic development of Papua New Guinea. Without the Chinese side's sincere and selfless help, Papua New Guinea could not have achieved such rapid development today. The Chinese side first expressed support for and provided Papua New Guinea with strong assistance in hosting this year's Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, for which Papua New Guinea is deeply grateful. We eagerly look forward to President Xi Jinping's attendance at the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and his state visit to Papua New Guinea next month. Papua New Guinea will do its utmost to ensure the complete success of President Xi Jinping's attendance at the meeting and visit.

Peter O'Neill expressed that Papua New Guinea firmly supports the Belt and Road Initiative, and that I look forward to travelling to China next year for the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. He hopes to promote the development of Papua New Guinea and also the common development of the region of the Pacific Island countries by enhancing cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. Papua New Guinea attaches great importance to China's international status and influence, and hopes to strengthen coordination and cooperation with the Chinese side in multilateral affairs such as the United Nations (UN) and climate change.

Wang Yi conveyed greetings from Chinese leaders to Peter O'Neill. He said that Papua New Guinea is the most populous and largest Pacific Island country. The Chinese side attaches importance to Papua New Guinea's significant influence in regional affairs, and appreciates Papua New Guinea's firm adherence to the one-China policy. Papua New Guinea is about to host the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, which is a grand event in Papua New Guinea and the region of the Pacific Island countries this year. The Chinese side provides strong support for Papua New Guinea's successful holding of the meeting. It is believed that with joint efforts of both sides, President Xi Jinping's visit to Papua New Guinea will be a complete success and will surely have a far-reaching and positive impact on the development of China's relations with Papua New Guinea and Pacific Island countries.

Wang Yi expressed that Papua New Guinea is the first Pacific Island country to sign the cooperation agreement with the Chinese side under the Belt and Road Initiative. We welcome Mr. Prime Minister to attend the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation next year, and are willing to expand exchanges and cooperation with Papua New Guinea in the fields of trade, investment, production capacity, and education under the framework of Belt and Road Initiative to help Papua New Guinea achieve the sustainable development and promote the common development of the region of the Pacific Island countries.

Wang Yi stressed that the cooperation between China and Papua New Guinea is South-South cooperation, as well as the mutual support and assistance between developing countries and their friends. China is still a developing country, but we are aware of our responsibilities, and stand ready to provide help for developing countries and small and medium-sized countries within our capacity. China has never interfered in other countries' internal affairs, never attached political conditions to aid for other countries, and never targeted at third parties. The Chinese side is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with Papua New Guinea under multilateral frameworks such as the UN, APEC and the Pacific Islands Forum to jointly safeguard and promote the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.

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