PRESIDENT Xi Jinping arrived in Port Moresby, capital of Papua New Guinea (PNG) on Thursday, to pay a state visit to the country and attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting.

It marks the first visit by a Chinese head of state to the Pacific island nation since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1976.

During his visit, Xi is scheduled to exchange deep views with the leaders of the PNG over closer ties and global and regional issues of common concern and to witness the signing of a series of cooperation agreements. Chinese ambassador Xue Bing said fruitful results are expected in such areas as politics, trade, technology, finance, infrastructure and people-to-people exchanges.

Xi on Wednesday published a signed article titled “Set Sail on a New Voyage for Relations Between China and Pacific Island Countries” in two newspapers in Papua New Guinea ahead of his state visit to the country.

In the article, he pointed out: “In recent years, bilateral ties have entered a new stage of rapid growth. Today, Papua New Guinea is China’s largest trading partner in the region, while China is the biggest foreign investor and project contractor in this country. For example, the Independence Boulevard and International Convention Centre, which will play an important role in Papua New Guinea’s hosting of the APEC meeting, were both built with Chinese assistance. For sixteen years running, Chinese medical teams have provided humanitarian health services to the people of Papua New Guinea. Hydropower stations, hospitals and school dormitories financed by Chinese government concessional loans have become landmark buildings across the country. And in an active response to the PNG government’s Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030, Chinese companies have taken part in the construction of roads, bridges, airports and docks locally.”

During his stay in Port Moresby, Xi will also meet with leaders of the eight Pacific island countries which have diplomatic ties with China.

PNG is the first stop of Xi’s ongoing Asia-Pacific tour, which will also take him to Brunei and the Philippines.

Xi will deliver a keynote speech at the APEC CEO Summit, address the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and meet leaders of other APEC member economies in Port Moresby.

(Xinhua)