The new Chinese Ambassador to Papua New Guinea H.E. Mr. Li Zhengjun presented the Letter of Credence to H.E. Sir Silas Atopare, Governor General on Wednesday, April 16, 2003. Secretary for Foreign Affairs Mr. Gabriel Pepson and other officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs & Immigration were present on the occasion.

After the presentation, Ambassador Li had an audience with the Governor General. Mr. Li said Papua New Guinea has become China's largest trading partner and assistance recipient among the South Pacific Island nations. China attaches significance to developing the cordial bilateral relationship, in line with the long-term and essential interests of the two peoples. Ambassador Li stressed that during his tenure of office, he will exert his utmost to further the friendship and cooperation between the two peoples and two countries.

Sir Silas Atopare spoke highly of the friendly cooperation and eye-catching achievements in various fields between the two countries. He thanked the Chinese Government for its selfless assistance to PNG for all these years. Sir Silas reaffirmed to the Chinese Ambassador that Taiwan is only a province of China and PNG will strictly abide by the one-China policy.

Ambassador Li arrived in PNG on April 14.