Papua New Guinea’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency, Mr John Momis, on Wednesday, August 29, 2007, presented his Credentials to the President of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency, Mr Hu Jintao.

During the very brief meeting that immediately followed the acceptance of his credentials by the Chinese Head of State, His Excellency Mr Hu Jintao, in formally welcoming Ambassador Momis, reiterated the fact that China’s bilateral relations with PNG has continued to blossom, as was already evident in the level of visitations done by its leaders, making special mention of Prime Minister Grand Chief, Sir Michael Somare’s 2004 State visit to China, and most recently, the Governor-General, His Excellency Grand Chief, Sir Paulias Matane’s visit in October 2006 to commemorate 30 years of PNG-Sino bilateral relations. 

Hu Jintao also made specific mention of Papua New Guinea’s commitment to its bilateral relations with China, when it appointed one of its very senior Statesmen as Ambassador to China this year.  This only reinforced the core of this very relation, he said.

The Chinese President also drew attention to the fact that the importance of this ever-burgeoning relationship between our two countries was such that he had always looked forward to meeting Prime Minister Somare during the annual APEC Summits.  He was therefore, looking forward to meeting the Grand Chief in the upcoming APEC Summit.

President Hu Jintao also pointed out that China’s foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific region was changing for the better, as was evident in the strong view it now holds of PNG being its “biggest investment destination” in the South Pacific.  Saying this, President Hu Jintao proffered his hopes that both countries would continue to build on these initiatives and mutually beneficial cooperation mechanisms, for the betterment of its peoples.

Ambassador Momis, in responding, also extended his appreciations to the President, and the people of China, for the ongoing friendship both countries continue to enjoy, foster and allow to blossom, which, he added, was also very evident as seen in the remarkable increase in the level of cultural, commercial, and individual exchanges between our two countries. 

In saying this, Ambassador Momis assured the President that PNG, continues, and will continue, to adhere to the “One-China” policy, as was originally pledged in the Joint Communique, signed by Prime Minister Somare and Chairman Mao’s successor, Huo Guofeng in October, 1976.

In his closing remarks, President Hu Jintao thanked the Government and people of PNG for their continued adherence to the “One-China” policy, and made assurance of China’s unending commitment to the funding of the numerous on-going projects under its technical cooperation agreement, and its enduring obligations to honor its other investments in PNG.