REPLY SPEECH BY H.E. GRAND CHIEF, SIR PAULIAS MATANE, GCL, GCMG, KST.J, DDG, GOVERNOR GENERAL OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA ON THE OCCASION OF THE PRESENTATION OF CREDENTIALS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MR. QIU BOHUA, AMBASSADOR DESIGNATE OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA TO PAPUA NEW GUINEA ON THE 25TH MAY, 2010-GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Excellency, On behalf of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the II, I accept the Letters of Credence by which His Excellency, Mr. Hu Jintao, President of the People's Republic of China accredit you as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.

I also accept the Letter of Recall of your Predecessor, His Excellency, Mr. Wei Ruixing.

On this special occasion, I take this opportunity to express gratitude to you for the message of benevolence from your President to myself, the people and Government of Papua New Guinea.

In return, I would like to convey through you, our sincere best wishes for His Excellency's good health and prosperity to the people and Government of the People's Republic of China.

Excellency,

I concur with you that our two countries share many commonalities in our strive for development as developing countries.

Papua New Guinea and People's Republic of China as developing countries shared fundamental values and principles of mutual respect of Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity, human Dignity and Development aspirations that aim to enhance the interests and well being of their respective citizens.

Excellency,

Since establishing Diplomatic links in 1976, our two countries have had friendly, constructive and rapidly expanding bilateral relations. I hope that all aspects of our relations will continue to be strengthened in the years ahead.

The frequency of exchange of high-level visits by leaders and senior government Officials from both sides has added impetus in enhancing and consolidates understanding between our leaders and senior government Officials in advancing the interests of our two countries.

This has facilitated the promotion of Trade and Investment activities hence Papua New Guinea stands as China's major Trading Partner amongst the Pacific island countries as well as attracting major investment in key economic sectors including Agriculture, fisheries and Minerals and Energy Sectors.

Excellency,

China would be a significant market for Papua New Guinea by purchasing the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) following production in 2014 as well as importing the Nickel and Colbat Ore which China has invested US$650 million in the upstream development.

Papua New Guinea is very grateful for the various development and technical assistance from China towards our development efforts to improve the socio-economic conditions of our people over the years. One such valued assistance is the Vice Regal's Official Residence and the State House we are now in was renovated in 2006 through your Government's Development Assistance.

Excellency,

Our two countries continue to cooperate and contribute meaningfully in International Fora in advancing issues of mutual interests and concerns ranging from climate change to peace and security. Papua New Guinea continues to appreciate China's efforts in advancing the interests of developing countries at various Regional and International Fora.

Finally, Your Excellency, I would like to assure you that the Government of Papua New Guinea stands ready to render all the support you may require in discharging your responsibilities as representative of your country to promote and strengthen relations between our two countries.

Let me also wish you every success in your tour of duty to Papua New Guinea.

Thank you.

Paulias Matane

Governor General of Papua New Guinea