Chinese Vice-President Zeng Qinghong said in Beijing on July 20 that China would work with Papua New Guinea (PNG) and bring bilateral relationship to a higher ground.

Zeng told PNG Foreign Minister Rabbie Namaliu during a meeting that China attaches great importance to its relationship with PNG, a nation of strong importance in the South Pacific region.

"We would work closely with the PNG side to implement the consensus reached by leaders of the two countries concerning bilateral relations," Zeng said.

The Chinese vice-president proposed the two sides keep top level exchange of visits, increase economic cooperation and trade as well as coordination in international and regional affairs.

China and PNG established full diplomatic relations in 1976. The two sides have had smooth cooperation in areas of trade, investment, agriculture and minerals.

The PNG foreign minister thanked China for its assistance and support, and pledged that PNG would always consider China as a trustworthy friend.

He reiterated PNG's one-China policy and stressed that his country would have no official contact with Taiwan.

Source: Xinhua