Xi Jinping Meets with Prime Minister Peter O'Neill of Papua New Guinea (PNG)

On April 25, 2019, President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Peter O'Neill of Papua New Guinea (PNG) at the Great Hall of the People.

Xi Jinping pointed out that I paid a successful state visit to PNG and held meetings with leaders of 8 Pacific Island countries having diplomatic relations with China in November 2018. Currently, relations between China and PNG are in the best period in history. The Chinese side highly appreciates the PNG government for prioritizing relations with China in its diplomacy and giving solid support to the Chinese side on issues concerning China's core interests. The Chinese side supports the PNG side in choosing a development path on its own that is in line with its national conditions, and is willing to work with the PNG side to enhance mutual trust, deepen cooperation, enhance friendship and strengthen coordination and cooperation under multilateral frameworks, so as to push the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries for greater development. PNG is in a leading position among the Pacific Island countries in jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative. China and PNG should further expand cooperation and set an example for the island countries in building the Belt and Road Initiative.

Xi Jinping pointed out that the Chinese side strengthens solidarity and cooperation with the Pacific Island countries by upholding the values of friendship, justice and shared interests and the principle of sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith. China has no self interest in the Pacific Island countries, does not seek the so-called "sphere of influence," and will always be a trustworthy friend and partner to these countries.

Peter O'Neill expressed congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and on the tremendous achievements in development and poverty alleviation made by the Chinese people under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, which are also China’s contributions to the world peace and development. China’s success has set a good example for developing countries. President Xi Jinping's visit to PNG last year is historic. PNG adheres to the one-China policy, thanks China for its long-standing and firm support for PNG and the Pacific Island countries. The Belt and Road Initiative put forward by President Xi Jinping is a major contribution to the international community and brings important opportunities for the Pacific Island countries so that we can turn resource advantages into development results. PNG is willing to enhance cooperation with the Chinese side under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Ding Xuexiang, Yang Jiechi, Wang Yi and He Lifeng attended the meeting.