China’s Xi salutes ‘friend’ PNG

CHINESE president Xi Jinping says Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a good friend of China in the Pacific Islands.
“Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the bilateral relations between China and PNG have achieved historic progress, featuring close exchanges of high-level visits and exchanges at all levels, with fruitful results in practical cooperation,” he said in a congratulatory message to Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae on the occasion of PNG’s 44th Independence Day.
“I highly value the development of the bilateral relations between China and PNG and would like to work together with you to strengthen dialogue, exchanges and cooperation in various fields and promote our bilateral relations of strategic partnership to a new level, so as to bring more benefits to our two countries and their people.”
Meanwhile, Sir Bob, speaking at the flag lowering ceremony in Port Moresby on Monday, said the country’s greatness had been reduced by greed and selfishness.
“The fundamental principles of consultation and consensus, which are so embedded in our cultures and traditions, have lost their place in our communities and societies. “We don’t talk about our issues and try to resolve them.
“Instead, we fight over them. We fight and destroy properties before we resort to any manner of talking and trying to find solutions.
“We must renew hope for our nation’s prospects and future generations.”
Sir Bob urged people to cultivate a positive mindset, stressing that “proper decent attitude starts at home.
“To parents, how we teach our children at our homes will determine the future of our society,” he said.
“Children growing up in towns and cities today are exposed to rapid changes in communication and access to information through mobile phones, internet and TV.
“These have presented new challenges for parents to instil in their children the virtues of respect and obedience.”