China, PNG to Enhance Cooperation between Parliaments

Li Peng Meets PM of PNG

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The Chinese National People's Congress (NPC) is willing to further its exchange and cooperation with the parliament of Papua New Guinea (PNG), said NPC Standing Committee Chairman Li Peng Wednesday.

In a meeting with visiting PNG Prime Minister Mekere Morauta, Li noted that the two parliaments have enhanced exchanges and cooperation. His meeting with Speaker Bernard Narokobi of PNG's national parliament in China last May has also contributed to the understanding and friendship between the two parliaments, he said.

Both the parliaments have been playing an important role in their respective state affairs, though the two countries have different legislative systems, Li added.

Li spoke highly of Morauta's contribution in pushing ahead the Sino-PNG relations, saying that the bilateral ties have been going well since Morauta took office as PNG prime minister in 1999. "Our top officials have frequent exchanges of visits, and bilateral trade are climbing," he said, noting that PNG is China's largest trade partner among the South Pacific island countries.

Bilateral exchanges and cooperation in other sectors have also yielded positive results, while the two countries have supported each other in international and regional affairs, Li said.

Morauta said the PNG government values its relations with China, and is willing to make joint efforts with the Chinese side to maintain a stable development of bilateral ties. Morauta reaffirmed that adherence to the 'one China' policy is the core to PNG's China policy, he said.

As developing countries, PNG and China face the common task of economic development and improving the people's living standards, Morauta noted. PNG is ready to further promote trade and economic cooperation with China, for the benefits of the two peoples, he stressed.

Morauta expressed confidence that the agreement on economic and technical cooperation signed between the two governments Tuesday will ensure the advancement of the bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Morauta arrived here Monday for a week-long official visit to China as guest of Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji.