China reaffirms friendship, cooperation with Pacific island countries(3)

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill in Nadi, Fiji, Nov 22, 2014. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

During the meeting with Peter O'Neill, prime minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Xi said that Papua New Guinea has the largest territory, the largest number of population and the largest potential for development among the Pacific island countries.

He said that both China and Papua New Guinea are developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region and share lots of common interests.

China regards Papua New Guinea as an important cooperative partner among the Pacific island countries and stands ready to expand bilateral cooperation in agriculture, forestry, fishery, infrastructure construction and energy resources, and strengthen coordination and cooperation on the Asia-Pacific affairs and the Pacific island country affairs as well.

O'Neill said that China plays an important role in boosting Papua New Guinea's economic and social development, and Papua New Guinea welcomes Chinese businesses to invest in the country.

China is a strategic partner of the Pacific island countries, and Papua New Guinea actively supports those countries' friendly cooperation with China, he said.