Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has reiterated Papua New Guinea’s unwavering commitment to the One-China Policy while calling for stronger economic, trade, investment and educational cooperation with the People’s Republic of China.
Prime Minister Marape made the remarks during a meeting with Mr Chen Xiaodong, Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), in Port Moresby.
The Prime Minister said Papua New Guinea had proudly maintained its One-China Policy since establishing diplomatic relations with China in 1976 and would continue to uphold this longstanding national position.
“Almost 50 years ago, Papua New Guinea adopted the One-China Policy, and we have maintained that policy proudly ever since,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“We are friends of China, and we will never compromise our One-China Policy. The seven Prime Ministers before me have respected this position, and I am confident future Prime Ministers will continue to do so.”
Prime Minister Marape thanked China for its longstanding friendship, development assistance and respect for Papua New Guinea’s sovereignty and independent foreign policy.
He said his forthcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping would focus on expanding economic relations, particularly trade, investment, agriculture, energy, mining and infrastructure development.
“My focus is on building an economic relationship that will last for generations. We want more Chinese investors coming into Papua New Guinea, creating employment, producing goods locally and exporting to China and other international markets,” he said.
The Prime Minister identified rice production, fisheries, coffee, livestock, mineral processing and energy development as priority areas for Chinese investment.
He also called for progress towards the establishment of Bank of China commercial operations in PNG and reciprocal visa-on-arrival arrangements to facilitate greater business, investment and tourism exchanges.
“These are the kinds of initiatives that can transform our economic relationship for generations,” he said.