China, Papua New Guinea sign joint press communique

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, February 10, 2004

China, Papua New Guinea sign joint press communique

China and Papua New Guinea signed ajoint press communique Monday in Beijing. The full text of the communique is as follows:

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Joint Press Communique Between the People's Republic of China and The Independent State of Papua New Guinea

At the invitation of Premier of the State Council Wen Jiabao ofthe People's Republic of China, Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea (PNG) paid an official visit to the People's Republic of China from 9 to 12 February 2004. Premier Wen Jiabao and Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare had an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations, regional situation and other issues of common interest in a warm and friendly atmosphere and reached broad consensus.

1. Both sides agree that it is in their fundamental and long-term interest to build a stable, lasting and all-round relationship between the two countries on the basis of principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence. Thetwo sides reaffirm their adherence to the Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the People's Republic of China and Papua New Guinea.

2. The two sides are satisfied with the current level of exchange of visits between their leaders and officials and expresstheir willingness to intensify political dialogues at all levels, and encourage and support exchanges and cooperation between the two Governments, parliaments and other official agencies, and between their local governments and non-governmental organizationswith a view to strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries.

Leaders of the two countries express satisfaction at the signing of the bilateral agreements during this visit on economic and technological cooperation, agriculture, mining and education. They are confident that these agreements, as well as the consensusembodied in this joint press communique and the common position reached during the Port Moresby consultation between officials of the two foreign ministries in January 2004 will serve as the basisand driving force for further cooperation between the two Governments.

3. Both sides consider it important to strengthen their trade and economic cooperation. Since the two countries established diplomatic ties, their trade and investment relations have grown increasingly closer. The two Governments will encourage and facilitate trade and investment between the two countries.

The two sides stand ready to encourage and support their enterprises to increase contact, deepen understanding, and developmutually beneficial cooperation of various forms under market economy conditions so as to promote the bilateral trade and economic relations.

The PNG side welcomes Chinese investment in mining, petroleum, agriculture, fishery, forestry and other fields. The two sides undertake to implement all their agreements and understandings in good faith and enhance cooperation in the above-mentioned resources development sector.

The Chinese side attaches importance to friendly relations and cooperation with PNG and will continue to provide within its capacity assistance to PNG's economic development. The PNG side isgrateful for the Chinese side's good will.

The two sides will continue to take active measures to further increase exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, health sectors and between their political parties and people.

4. The PNG side reiterates its support for the position of the Government of the People's Republic of China, that is, there is but one China in the world and the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory.

The PNG side maintains that the question of Taiwan is purely China's internal affair. The PNG side pursues the one-China policy,and respects and supports China's efforts to safeguard the national unity. The PNG side expresses the hope for an early realization of China's peaceful reunification. The PNG side opposes any unilateral action or move, including "referendum", on the part of the Taiwan authorities, to seek "Taiwan independence."The PNG side supports the maintenance of peace and security acrossthe Taiwan Straits and the region at large.

In this connection, the PNG side reassures the Government of the People's Republic of China that all contacts between PNG and Taiwan will be strictly confined to the economic area and that PNGwill not have any contact of any form with Taiwan that would contravene the one-China position.

The Chinese side highly appreciates PNG's clear-cut position onthe question of Taiwan.

5. China reaffirms its support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea and reiterates its endorsement of PNG's positive efforts to maintain its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. China hopes that PNG will enjoy social stability, ethnic harmony and economic development and contribute to the maintenance and promotion of stability and prosperity in the SouthPacific region.

The PNG side attaches importance to China's important role in international affairs, speaks highly of China's positive contribution to world peace as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and expects China to continue to play its role.

6. Both sides agree that the democratization of international relations conforms to and reflects the demands and aspirations of the overwhelming majority of countries and people of the international community. They maintain that, countries, big or small, rich or poor, strong or weak, are all equal members of the international community. The two sides look forward to strengthening their consultation and cooperation on regional and international issues and enhancing coordination and maintaining dialogues at the United Nations and other international organizations. They will work in concert with the international community for the establishment of a fair, rational and equitable new international political and economic order.

7. The PNG Prime Minister, in his own name and on behalf of thePNG Government and his delegation, expresses sincere gratitude to Premier Wen Jiabao and the Government of the People's Republic of China for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality that have beenaccorded to him and his delegation.

Done in Beijing on the 9 February 2004

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