PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill gets Red Carpet Welcome in China

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill gets red carpet welcome in China. Photo credit: People's Daily, China 

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill has arrived to a treat of “A Red Carpet welcome” at the Beijing International Airport to begin his official visit as part of the ongoing bilateral relationship between the People’s Republic of China and Papua New Guinea.

Warmly welcoming him on arrival was His Excellency, Mr Zheng Zeguang, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China and His Excellency Mr Christopher Mero, PNG Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China.

The visit is on an invitation by H.E. Mr Li Keqiang, Premier of the People’s Republic of China marking the 40 years of the strong bilateral ties that the two countries.

PM O’Neill and his delegation including Ministers Patrick Pruaitch and Francis Awesa, Sir Peter Ipatas were then driven on a motorcade to the Great Hall of People where he was met by Premier Li Keqiang and accorded with a colourful guard of honour with 21 gun salutes before proceeding to bilateral meeting and a signing ceremony between the two leaders.

In the bilateral meeting, various discussions were made on:

- Bilateral Relations

- Trade and Economic Relations

- Development and Technical Cooperation and; Regional and International Cooperation

Followed by a signing ceremony for the:

- Lae Tidal Basin West Side Development Project

- Lae Tidal Basin Industrial Development project

Air Services Agreement

- Reconstruction and upgrade of the four-lane highway from Keltiga junction to Kagamuga Airport.

- PNG National Submarine Fibre Cable Network Project Agreement

- PNG China Free Trade Joint Feasibility Study Agreement

- Framework Agreement on Industrial Capacity Development

The Prime Minister was pleased with the outcome of the meeting and the signing ceremony between the two governments, saying that the relationship with China is becoming more important in terms of our economic and social development of our country.