Premier Li Keqiang held talks with Peter Charles Paire O’Neill, prime minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, at the Great Hall of the People on June 21.

Premier Li fully affirmed the steady progress in ties between China and Papua New Guinea, which has already ascended to become an exemplar for diplomatic ties between China and other Pacific countries.

It’s commendable that Papua New Guinea displays its unfailing observance of the one-China policy, the Premier said, adding that China will stay supportive of Papua New Guinea in deciding on an appropriate development model with full autonomy.

China will spare no efforts to align the Belt and Road Initiative with the development strategy of Papua New Guinea, ushering in a substantial wave of opportunities for cooperation in many key fields, such as trade and investment, energy and resources, and infrastructure, with complementary advantages brought into full play. This will foster new highlights in bilateral cooperation.

The Premier said China gives strong backing to Papua New Guinea in hosting the upcoming annual APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. China vows to step up coordination and cooperation with Papua New Guinea on multilateral mechanisms of the United Nations, APEC, and Pacific Islands Forum, as well as on issues of climate change, in a bid to preserve the collective interests of developing countries.

O’Neill said since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Papua New Guinea, the bilateral relationship has maintained a strong momentum of development, with close and friendly relations between the two governments and peoples.

Papua New Guinea is ready to expand bilateral trade and investment along with China, advancing cooperation on focal projects regarding natural gas, industrial parks and community colleges, as well as tourism and cultural exchanges. O’Neill also extended his gratitude to China for its support in hosting the annual APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.

After the talks, Premier Li and O’Neill witnessed the signing of a slew of multilateral cooperation documents.

In the afternoon, O’Neill laid a wreath at the Monument to the People’s Heroes at Tian’anmen Square.