The steady development between China and Papua New Guinea (PNG) has become a model for China’s relations with Pacific island countries, Premier Li Keqiang said on June 21, while talking with his PNG’s counterpart Peter O’Neill at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Both leaders hailed bilateral ties and agreed to further promote trade and cooperation.

Premier Li said that he appreciates PNG’s firm stance in upholding the one-China policy and hopes the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) could resonate with PNG’s own development strategy.

This could create more cooperation opportunities in trade, investment, energy, and infrastructure, Premier Li noted.

Premier Li added that China will support Papua New Guinea as it hosts this year’s APEC leaders’ meeting.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the relations between PNG and China have maintained a strong developmental momentum, O’Neill said.

PNG is willing to expand bilateral trade and investment with China and jointly promote cooperation in big projects, according to O’Neill.

O’Neill expressed his gratitude for China’s strong support for PNG to hold the APEC meeting.

As part of O’Neill’s visit, officials from the two countries signed multiple cooperation deals.

O’Neill also paid a visit to the Monument to the People’s Heroes in Beijing.