Xi calls for strengthening of China-PNG ties

China and Papua New Guinea should strengthen connection of development strategies under the Belt and Road framework and enhance cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, investment and finance, President Xi Jinping said on Friday.

Xi made the remark while meeting with Peter O'Neill, prime minister of PNG, amid his ongoing visit to the nation.

Noting that PNG is the first Pacific island nation that has signed Belt and Road cooperation agreement with China, Xi called on the two sides to promote pragmatic cooperation to achieve win-win development.

The two countries should make joint efforts to promote the initiation of negotiation on free trade agreement as early as possible, Xi said.

The president said that China firmly support PNG to choose its development path that fits its own national situation, and China highly appreciates PNG government's firm stance on supporting one-China policy.

The two countries decided to build a comprehensive strategic partnership based on mutual respects and common development, which will inject great power to the bilateral cooperation, Xi said.

China would like to enhance strategic mutual trust with PNG and promote the exchanges of political party, parliament, local and people-to-people areas, Xi said.

Xi expressed gratitude for PNG's enthusiastic and grand reception for his visit, saying that he could feel the friendship from the sincere smiles on the local people's face.