Zhang Dejiang (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, shakes hands with Theo Zurenuoc, speaker of the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea, prior to their talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 18, 2013. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)
BEIJING, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhang Dejiang met here Friday with visiting Papua New Guinean National Parliament Speaker Theo Zurenuoc in the Great Hall of the People.
Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress(NPC), said Papua New Guinea is one of the first Pacific Island nations that established diplomatic links with China. Since the two countries set up official relations 37 years ago, bilateral relations have seen great development with practical cooperation in various areas fruitful.
Zhang said China regards Papua New Guinea as a good friend and partner in the Pacific Islands region. He expressed readiness to work with Papua New Guinea to enhance trust, beneficial cooperation and mutual support on multilateral issues so as to advance bilateral links and bring even greater benefit to the two peoples.
Zhang expressed appreciation of the Papua New Guinean government and parliament for their long-term adherence to the one-China policy.
Zhang said the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea has been supportive of its government's efforts in developing relations with China and serves as an important driving force to the growth of bilateral links.
He said Papua New Guinea is an important trade partner of China in the Pacific Islands region. He expressed the hope that Papua New Guinea continues to create favorable legal environment for expanding trade and economic cooperation between the two countries and to advance practical cooperation in a smooth way.
Zurenuoc said Papua New Guinea will strengthen its legal system and improve its investment environment to attract Chinese investors. He pledged sound protection of the life and property of Chinese investors and their legal interests in Papua New Guinea. He also expressed readiness to expand practical cooperation in all areas between the two countries.
Zhang said exchanges between the legislatures of the two countries consist an important part of bilateral relations. He said in recent years, China's NPC and the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea have carried out exchanges and cooperation in a very good manner.
Zhang said the NPC is ready to further reinforce and expand its friendly cooperation with the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea on the basis of mutual respect, equality and friendship. He expressed the readiness to step up inter-parliament exchanges at all levels so as to enhance mutual understanding and friendship for greater and healthy growth of bilateral links.
Zurenuoc said China is a trust-worthy friend and important cooperative partner of Papua New Guinea. He said Papua New Guinea will continue to firmly abide by the one-China principle.
The National Parliament of Papua New Guinea places great importance on expanding relations with China's NPC, said Zurenuoc. He expressed the wish to further enhance exchanges and cooperation between the two sides.
Zhang Dejiang (3rd R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, holds talks with Theo Zurenuoc (3rd L), speaker of the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 18, 2013. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)