Chinese vice premier meets Papua New Guinean PM on ties

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday discussed bilateral relations and other issues of common concern with Papua New Guinean Prime Minister Michael Thomas Somare.

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (R) shakes hands with Papua New Guinean  Prime Minister Michael Thomas Somare in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea,  Oct. 3, 2009.(Xinhua/Liu Jiansheng)

Li said Papua New Guinea, as the largest developing country in the South Pacific, has great influence over regional issues.

He said China attaches great importance to bilateral ties with the Pacific island nation, which China has always regarded as a reliable friend and partner.

In recent years, Li said, the two countries have conducted frequent high-level exchanges, deepened political mutual trust, broadened exchanges and cooperation in an extensive number of sectors.