Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has expressed his appreciation to Chinese President Xi Jinping for coming to the country.
PM O’Neill, when giving his speech at the official opening of Port Moresby’s Independence Boulevard intersection, said PNG and China’s relationship go back to colonial days.
He said China has been a good friend to PNG, like our other neighbouring countries.
“I know he’s got a busy schedule but showing us and respecting us and coming to our country and respecting our country’s relationship by visiting our country on his first official visit.”
He further thanked President Xi for handing over the Independence Boulevard, which is a significant indication of our strong relationship with the people of China.
Meantime, President Xi said it was his pleasure to be in PNG and hand over the Independence Boulevard to the people of PNG.
He also thanked the contractors for the job well done on the intersection of the road.
President Xi said China will always help PNG and other Pacific countries.
He will meet with other Pacific leaders this afternoon.
(This morning at the opening of the Independence Boulevard at Waigani, Port Moresby)