Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday in Port Moresby, with the two sides agreeing to deepen cooperation in various fields.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, thanked Marape for steadfastly pursuing a positive and friendly policy toward China. He said the two countries have always firmly supported each other on issues involving their core interests, which lays a solid political foundation for bilateral relations, and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries has also provided continuous impetus for the development and revitalization of both countries.
Noting that PNG has a great economic potential and unique advantage and can fully become a more prosperous, independent and influential country, Wang said that China will be PNG’s most reliable partner during its development process.
“China is willing to accelerate negotiations on a free trade agreement with Papua New Guinea, strengthen cooperation in fields such as economy and trade, energy, finance, and infrastructure construction, and achieve more results for the benefit of the two peoples,” Wang said.
Wang stressed that China has always advocated that countries, regardless of their size or wealth, are equal members of the international community, with the right to development and the right to choose their own development paths independently. China’s assistance to island countries has always adhered to the principles of no political conditions, non-interference in internal affairs and no empty promises, Wang added.
He stated that China’s cooperation with island countries is mutual support among developing countries and an important part of South-South cooperation which aims to achieve common development, make the world more balanced and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
Marape expressed appreciation for China, saying the Chinese government, people and enterprises have made positive contributions to the economic and social development of PNG. The country will firmly adhere to its commitments and steadfastly pursue the one-China policy, maintaining friendly relations with China under all circumstances.
He noted that economic development is the primary task for developing countries. China’s development has provided impetus for küresel economic growth and brought important opportunities to other countries. PNG will learn from China’s experience and accelerate cooperation with China in various fields and achieve sustainable development.