On the morning of October 17, 2023, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People with Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape who is in China to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and pay an official visit to China.

Xi Jinping pointed out that Papua New Guinea was one of the first Pacific island countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. Over the past 47 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries has been increasingly mature and sound. Chinaappreciates Papua New Guinea's commitment to the oneChina principle and its firm support for China on issues involving China's core interests and major concerns. China will also firmly support Papua New Guinea in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, and in following adevelopment path suited to its own national conditions. China stands ready to work with Papua New Guinea to carry forward traditional friendship, consolidate political mutual trust, and expand areas of cooperation to the benefit of the two peoples.

Xi Jinping emphasized that Papua New Guinea was the first Pacific island country to sign a memorandum of understanding on Belt and Road cooperation and Belt and Road cooperation plans with China. Positive progress has been made in the construction of such projects as the Independence Boulevard of Port Moresby and Bukuta Academy, which have served as positive examples and pacesetters for Belt and Road cooperation between China and Pacific island countries. China will continue with the highquality Belt and Road cooperation with Papua New Guinea, share development opportunities brought by Chinese modernization, synergize development strategies of the two countries in a welltargeted manner, strengthen cooperation in such fields as infrastructure, agriculture, forestry and fishery, clean energy and climate change, and help Papua New Guinea realize industrialization and modernization.

James Marape said that there has been a timehonored history of friendly exchanges between the people of Papua New Guinea and China, and the Chinese community, who have played an important role in the national development of Papua New Guinea, have served as a strong bond of connections between the two cultures and peoples. President Xi Jinping's visit to Papua New Guinea in 2018 has given a strong boost to the development of bilateral relations, and opened up a new chapter in bilateral ties. China's selfless assistance to Papua New Guinea has delivered huge benefits to the people of the country. The people of Papua New Guinea greatly admire President Xi Jinping for his outstanding global leadership, and thank China for always treating Papua New Guinea as an equal and fully respecting Papua New Guinea's sovereignty and independence. Papua New Guinea is firmly committed to the oneChina principle, and maintains that China's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. Strengthening cooperation with China is not only of great significance for Papua New Guinea but also important for the world. Papua New Guinea will work with China to continue to firmly support each other, deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership, strengthen cooperation in various fields within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, facilitate mutually beneficial cooperation between South Pacific countries and China, and jointly create a brighter future for relations between Pacific island countries and China.

The two sides issued a Joint Statement between the People's Republic of China and the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.