Guangdong Governor Meng Fanli met with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape in Guangzhou on April 28, pledging to deepen cooperation as the two countries mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year.

Meng welcomed Marape and his delegation, celebrating how PNG has become Guangdong's largest trading partner among Pacific Island countries under the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.

He said Guangdong will implement the important consensus reached by the two countries' leaders and seize opportunities presented by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and APEC China Year to deepen practical exchanges and cooperation in trade, culture, education and tourism.

Marape thanked Guangdong for its hospitality and reaffirmed PNG's firm commitment to the One-China principle.

He expressed hope that the 50th anniversary of ties between the two countries would catalyze strengthened cooperation with Guangdong in trade, investment, infrastructure, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, education and healthcare.

He also encouraged more Guangdong enterprises to invest in PNG for higher-level mutual benefit.

Chinese Ambassador to PNG Yang Xiaoguang and  Special Envoy for Pacific Island Countries Affairs of the Chinese Government Qian Bo also attended the meeting.