Papua New Guinea and China on Sunday agreed to promote the two country's friendly and mutually beneficial relations on the occasion of 30th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

 

During a meeting with visiting Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, Papua New Guinean Prime Minister Michael Somareon said the relationship between the two countries has maintained stable since it was established 30 years ago.

 

Somareon said the bilateral cooperation have expanded into all fields, and China's assistance has brought lots of benefits to the Papua New Guinean people, according to the reports reaching Wellington.

 

The proposals to help promote the development of island countries, which China raised at April's China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum, have great significance on boosting economic and social development of the island nations.

 

Somareon added the government of Papua New Guinea firmly adheres to the one-China policy and hopes to strengthen the two country's cooperation in the fields such as economy and trade, investment, telecommunication, education and cultural exchanges.

 

Papua New Guinea is also willing to enhance coordination and cooperation with China in international affairs and promote the development of bilateral ties, he added.

 

Li noted that China and Papua New Guinea have conducted a wide range of cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.

 

Papua New Guinea is China's important partner in the Pacific region and China hopes to maintain the momentum of high-level visits between the two countries, expand the scale of bilateral trade and investment, and strengthen the economic and technological cooperation as well as cultural exchanges, said Li, adding that China appreciated Papua New Guinea's adherence to the one-China policy.

 

He added that China attaches importance to promoting relations with the island countries in the Pacific region. China is willing to carry out mutually beneficial cooperation on the basis of Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence with all island countries in order to realize common development.

 

China is always a reliable friend and partner of all island nations, Li stressed.

 

During his visit, Li also held talks with his Papua New Guinean counterpart Rabbie Namaliu on bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of common concern.

 

(Xinhua News Agency August 7, 2006)