BEIJING — Premier Li Keqiang on Oct 12 exchanged congratulatory messages with Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister Peter O’Neill on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Premier Li said in his message that mutual political trust between the two countries has continued to deepen, with people-to-people and cultural exchanges witnessing extensive growth over the last four decades.

He noted that the two countries agreed to further advance ties during O’Neill’s visit to China in July.

China is willing to work together with Papua New Guinea to continuously advance the development of China-Papua New Guinea relations, with the 40th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties as a new starting point, he added.

O’Neill said in his message that the growth of Papua New Guinea-China relations not only has benefited the two countries, but also made positive contributions to regional stability and prosperity.

Papua New Guinea will continue to uphold the one-China policy and join hands with China to further push ahead bilateral relations, O’Neill added.