On April 21, 2024 local time, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea (PNG) James Marape met with Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Port Moresby, and the two sides had cordial and friendly communication.

Wang Yi conveyed greetings from Chinese leaders to James Marape. Wang Yi said, Prime Minister James Marape firmly pursues a positive and friendly policy towards China, and was not only the sole leader of an island country to visit China during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also among the first to do so after the pandemic, representing the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) region to attend the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. President Xi Jinping has had strategic communication with Prime Minister James Marape on multiple occasions, and the mutual trust and friendship between the leaders have provided a solid guarantee for bilateral relations. The two sides have consistently offered firm support to each other on issues related to their core interests, consolidating the political foundation of bilateral relations. Mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries continues to expand and deepen, providing continuous momentum to their respective development and revitalization. PNG, with huge potential and unique advantages, is accelerating its development and revitalization, and is well-positioned to become a more prosperous and autonomous country with greater influence. China will be the most reliable cooperative partner of PNG in the country's development process. China is ready to accelerate negotiations on a free trade agreement with PNG, and strengthen cooperation in economy and trade, energy, finance, infrastructure construction and other areas, so as to create more achievements for the benefit of the two peoples.

Wang Yi emphasized that China always holds that all countries, big or small, rich or poor, are equal members of the international community, have the right to development and revitalization, and have the right to independently choose their own development path. China has always adhered to the three principles proposed by President Xi Jinping, namely, no political strings attached, no imposition on others, and no empty promises, in providing assistance to island countries. China's cooperation with the island countries is mutual support among developing countries, mutual assistance among friends, and an important part of South-South cooperation, with the aim of achieving common development, making the world landscape more balanced and promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

James Marape asked Wang Yi to convey cordial greetings and best wishes to President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders. James Marape stated that China has a long history of friendly exchanges with PICs, including PNG, and has always been a good and sincere friend of PNG. The relationship between PNG and China has taken deep roots, covered broad areas, and yielded fruitful results. The Chinese government, people and enterprises have made positive contributions to PNG's economic and social development and improvement of people's livelihoods. The Juncao cooperation advocated by President Xi Jinping is now blossoming and bearing fruit in PNG, directly benefiting the people of PNG. The PNG side bears this in mind and expresses its deep gratitude. PNG will also honor its commitments, unswervingly and firmly pursue the one-China policy, and stay committed to friendship and cooperation with China under all circumstances. Economic development is a primary task for developing countries. China's development has provided impetus to world economic growth and brought important opportunities for other countries. PNG is willing to learn from China's successful experience and accelerate mutually beneficial cooperation with China in various fields to achieve sustainable development in PNG.

During the visit, Wang Yi also held talks with PNG Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko and they jointly met the press.