Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warmly welcomed Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko in Xiamen, on the Chinese mainland, as the island nation joined China for the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
Over friendly exchanges, Wang hailed the enduring friendship between China and PNG as a valuable asset forged across mountains and seas and tested by time. Guided by generations of leaders, the two countries have become trusted development partners and close allies on the global stage.
Marking Milestones
This year, PNG celebrates the 50th anniversary of its independence, while next year will mark 50 years of formal diplomatic ties with the Chinese mainland. Wang Yi called on both sides to reflect on past successes and chart an ambitious course for the next five decades.
Free Trade Talks Ahead
To boost practical cooperation, Wang and Tkatchenko agreed on an early launch of negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement. They stressed the importance of fully implementing the leaders’ consensus to open new doors for businesses, tech innovators, and young entrepreneurs across both markets.
Building a Pacific Community
The Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting delivered a fresh consensus on building a community with a shared future. Highlighting PNG’s unique role as a gateway to Asia, Wang Yi reaffirmed China’s readiness to work with PNG and other Pacific Island members to advance regional peace, sustainable growth, and stronger people-to-people ties.
As China and PNG celebrate their half-century partnership, young global citizens, business innovators, and thought leaders alike will be watching how these discussions translate into real-world impact in the Asia-Pacific.
Reference(s):
China, PNG pledge to enhance bilateral practical cooperation
cgtn.com
