China, Papua New Guinea pledge to boost cooperation

China and Papua New Guinea agreed Sunday to step up bilateral cooperation in various fields.

The pledge was made during a meeting between senior Chinese legislator Zhou Tienong and Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill.

Zhou, deputy chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), said the two countries have broad prospects for reciprocal cooperation, given the fact that they share similar positions on political affairs, have a highly complementary economy and could learn from each other culturally.

He said the NPC is ready to work with its counterpart to let the parliamentary exchanges play an important role in boosting bilateral ties.

O'Neill said his country highly values its relations with China and regard Beijing as an important cooperation partner.

"We are pleased to see that the bilateral ties have developed smoothly and economic and trade cooperation has been advanced steadily," said the prime minister, who visited China this September.

Papua New Guinea, he said, is willing to strengthen bilateral exchanges and cooperation with China in all fields.

Zhou left Beijing on Oct. 28 to visit Australia and Papua New Guinea at the invitation of the two countries' parliaments.