Chongqing, April 20th—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with a delegation of Papua New Guinea led by Koni Iguan, Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament and Member of the PANGU Party of Papua New Guinea.  

Liu said that under the strategic guidance and personal promotion of the leaders of the two countries, China-Papua New Guinea relations have developed rapidly. China attaches great importance to developing its relations with Papua New Guinea and is willing to work with Papua New Guinea to implement the important consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister James Marape, consolidate political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation in various fields, and promote the continuous development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Papua New Guinea is an important country in the Pacific Island region. China appreciates Papua New Guinea's support for China's relations with Pacific Island countries and will continue to deepen cooperation with Pacific Island countries to help with local economic and social development. Facing the changes and turbulence in the world, China is willing to work with Papua New Guinea and other Global South countries to resist unilateralism, hegemonism and expansionism, and jointly safeguard the common interests of developing countries. Political parties play a key role in a country's economic and social development. The CPC is willing to strengthen exchanges with political parties in Papua New Guinea and deepen exchanges of experience in state governance and administration. 

Iguan said that this year marks the 50th anniversary of Papua New Guinea's independence. Papua New Guinea established diplomatic relations with shortly after gaining independence. Over the past decades, China has provided valuable support to Papua New Guinea in infrastructure construction, education, healthcare and other fields, helping Papua New Guinea enter a new stage of economic and social development. Political parties in Papua New Guinea cherish their relations with the CPC. For most members of the delegation, this is their first visit to China, during which they have witnessed firsthand the significant achievements China has made in economic development and improving the livelihood of its people. This has set a goal for Papua New Guinea's future development and further strengthened our confidence. Papua New Guinea is willing to learn from China's development experience to better build its own country.  

Members of the delegation included Thomas Opa, Member of the PANGU Party and Minister for Energy of Papua New Guinea, as well as members of the Our Pati, the People's National Congress Party, the People's Movement for Change, and the United Resource Party, were present.