BEIJING, July 8 -- Following is the Joint Press Release Between the People's Republic of China and The Independent State of Papua New Guinea issued on July 7 in Beijing.

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

Beijing, 7 July 2016

At the invitation of H.E. Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, Hon. Peter O'Neill, Prime Minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, paid an official visit to China from 5 to 10 July, 2016.

During the visit, H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China, met with Prime Minister O'Neill. Premier Li Keqiang and Prime Minister O'Neill held bilateral talks. The two sides had in-depth exchange of views on issues of shared interest, including the development of bilateral relations, and reached broad agreement.

1. China and PNG warmly celebrated the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, commended the historic progress in bilateral relations, and reaffirmed their commitment to building the strategic partnership of mutual respect and common development and expanding exchanges and cooperation in a wide range of areas so as to deliver more benefits to both peoples.

2. Both countries agreed to maintain the momentum of high-level visits, step up exchanges and cooperation between government departments, legislative bodies and political parties and at sub-national levels, make full use of the political consultations between the two foreign ministries, and strengthen mutual understanding and political trust.

3. Both China and PNG reiterated their respect for each other's sovereignty, territorial integrity and the development path the people of each side have chosen in the light of their own national conditions. Papua New Guinea reiterated its commitment to the one China policy.

4. China reiterated its principled position on the South China Sea issue and stressed its commitment to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, its legitimate and lawful rights and interest in the South China Sea, and its right to independently choose the means of dispute settlement in accordance with law. Papua New Guinea respects China's principled position and upholds that relevant maritime disputes should be peacefully resolved by parties directly concerned through consultation and negotiation and in accordance with international law.

5. The two countries agreed to seize opportunities to synergize development strategies as China follows through on the 13th Five-Year Plan and the Belt and Road Initiative and Papua New Guinea implements the Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030, with a view to achieving win-win mutual development outcomes.

6. Both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in such areas as trade, investment, downstream processing/manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, fishery, energy, resources, civil aviation, tourism, construction and infrastructure, transportation and communications, launch a joint feasibility study on a bilateral free trade agreement at an early date, and strengthen cooperation in mineral exploration and development between the Ministry of Land and Resources of China and the Ministry of Mining of Papua New Guinea. China will continue to provide Papua New Guinea with economic and technical assistance to grow the economy and improve people's welfare.

7. The two countries agreed to expand exchanges and cooperation in education, culture, youth, health and other fields to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between two peoples.

8. China and PNG agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation and coordination in multilateral mechanisms, including at the United Nations, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and the Pacific Islands Forum so as to jointly safeguard the interest of all the developing countries. Both countries support reform of the UN Security Council and maintain that such reform should enhance the authority and effectiveness of the Council and increase the representation of the developing countries, that a packet solution should be sought through full and democratic consultation and consensus-building and that a reform solution that is deeply divided shall not be forced ahead. China will provide support and help to Papua New Guinea for its hosting of the 2018 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.

9. During the visit, both countries signed documents (listed in the attached annex), including Civil Aviation Agreement between the Government of the P. R.China and the Government of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea and Framework Agreement between the Government of the P. R.China and the Government of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea for Developing Cooperation on Production Capacity.

Documents Signed between China and PNG during Hon. Prime Minister Peter O'Neill's Official Visit to China

1. Framework Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea for Developing Cooperation on Production Capacity

2. Civil Aviation Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea

3. Memorandum of Understanding regarding the Joint Feasibility Study on a China and Papua New Guinea Free Trade Agreement between Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China and Department of Trade, Commerce and Industry of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea

4. Framework Agreement On the Provision of Concessional Loan between the Government of China and the Government of PNG on Lae Tidal Basin West Side Industrial Development Project

5. Framework Agreement On the Provision of Concessional Loan between the Government of China and the Government of PNG on Reconstruction and Upgrade of 4 Lane Highway for Keltiga Junction to Kagamuga Airport of Highland Highway Project

6. Preferential Buyer Credit Loan Agreement on PNG National Submarine Fiber Cable Network Project

7. Government Concessional Loan Agreement On Lae Tidal Basin Industrial Development Project