On October 26, 2021, President Xi Jinping had a phone conversation with Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea (PNG) James Marape. Xi Jinping pointed out that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and PNG 45 years ago, the two sides have always treated each other equally and with respect, and supported each other on issues involving the respective core interests and major concerns, maintained peace and stability in the South Pacific region, and promoted regional development and prosperity. The relationship between China and PNG has become a role model of peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation among countries of different sizes and different social systems. China firmly supports PNG in taking a development path that suits its national conditions and is willing to work with PNG to push bilateral relations to a higher level. The Chinese side is willing to continue to provide PNG with economic and technical assistance with no political conditions attached, and provide various support for PNG in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The two sides should work together to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in areas such as poverty reduction, resource protection and utilization, and promote cooperation in the joint construction of the Belt and Road to reap more fruits. Xi Jinping stressed that PNG has an important influence in the Pacific Island region. China is ready to work with PNG to maintain the general direction of bilateral friendly cooperation and build a China-Pacific Island countries community with a shared future. The two sides should strengthen coordination and cooperation on international and multilateral occasions, tackle climate change and other challenges, actively carry out the Global Development Initiative, stick to true multilateralism, and safeguard international fairness and justice, as well as the common interests of developing countries. Marape said that 45 years ago, PNG was among the first Pacific Island countries to recognize that there is only one China in the world. Since then, bilateral relations have maintained a good momentum of development. He expressed gratitude to China for its selfless support for PNG's economic and social development over the years and its invaluable and timely-needed help to PNG in its fight against COVID-19. China is a sincere partner and reliable friend of PNG. PNG cherishes the friendly relations with China, admires President Xi Jinping's outstanding global leadership, and appreciates the Belt and Road Initiative and Global Development Initiative proposed by China. PNG will continue to firmly adhere to the one-China policy, and hopes to learn from China's experience in poverty alleviation and other areas, expand and deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields, and strengthen multilateral coordination and cooperation. PNG welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest and carry out cooperation in the country.
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