Li Ruihuan, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Thursday arrived in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea (PNG) for a four-day official goodwill visit as guest of the PNG government.
The leader of China's top advisory body was greeted at the airport by Bernard Narokobi, speaker of the PNG National Parliament.
In a written speech upon arrival, Li said that he came Port Moresby with a view to "make friends, deepen friendship, expand cooperation and seek common development."
"I look forward to exchanging views with the PNG leaders on furthering the bilateral relations, meeting extensively with friends from all walks of life, and briefing the people of Papua New Guinea about China's political and economic development," he said.
He said, "I hope that my current visit will make fresh contribution to the furtherance of the existing friendly relations and cooperation between China and Papua New Guinea."
Terming PNG as a beautiful land with rich culture, Li said since its independence, the country has scored gratifying achievements in safeguarding national sovereignty, developing the economy and improving the livelihood of its people.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and PNG, Li said, adding the bilateral friendly relations and cooperation have developed substantially over the past 25 years.
Noting the two sides have had productive exchanges and cooperation in the political, economic, trade, cultural, education nd other areas, Li said that the understanding and friendship between the two peoples have been constantly enhanced.
All this has laid a good foundation for the all-round development of the bilateral relationship in the new century, he added.
Li's entourage includes Zheng Wantong, secretary-general of the CPPCC National Committee, Chen Bangzhu, chairman of the Subcommittee of Human Resources and Environment of the CPPCC National Committee, Zhang Wenbin, chairman of the CPPCC Chongqing Municipal Committee, Lin Yinghai, chairman of the CPPCC Henan Provincial Committee, Zhang Yueqi, chairman of the CPPCC Jilin Provincial Committee, Zhao Zhenyu, Chinese ambassador to PNG, and Yuan Xingpei, vice-chairman of the Central Committee of the China Democratic League.
Later Thursday, Li is scheduled to meet PNG Governor-General Silas Atopare and Prime Minister Mekere Morauta.
PNG is the second leg of Li's three-nation Asia-Pacific tour, which also includes Fiji and Singapore.
Li flied here from Nadi following a five-day official goodwill visit to Fiji. Before he left, Frank Bainimarama, commander of the Fjian armed forces, and Kaliopate Tavola, Fijian minister of foreign affairs and external trade, went to the airport to see Li off.
(Xinhua News Agency November 15,2001)
