Chinese President Xi Jinping

After arriving in the country last night, President Xi had meetings with Governor General Sir Bob Dadae this morning before opening the Boulevard.

This morning the President had a number of engagements, including a guard of honour at the parliament house and also a meet with the Speaker of Parliament after inspecting the parade by the 1^st Royal Papua Island Regiment.

The opening of the Independence Boulevard followed after, as well the opening of Butuka Academy.

At the Boulevard opening, President Xi met Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

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.”

As Trump and President Xi Jinping meet for their first summit, Pyongyang's aggressive pursuit of nuclear and missile expertise will top the agenda. US officials warn that the era of what's known as strategic patience is over.