Infrastructure, Apec discussed during visit

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang discussed development interests, infrastructure delivery and the hosting of Apec in PNG yesterday.
“There is a strong friendship between our governments, both through our officials and high-level interaction,” O’Neill said after their meeting in Beijing.
“We intend to keep taking this friendship to an even higher level, and there are many outcomes we look to achieve on this visit.
“My last state visit to China was in 2016 and this resulted in seven major agreements in development projects, investment and trade.
“A number of other infrastructure projects have been identified since then are in the process of being delivered.
“These include the rehabilitation of the Poreporena Freeway, the construction of the Boulevard to Parliament and the upgrade of the International Convention Centre.
“Each of these projects is a gift of the people of China, and are demonstrations of warm relationship between our countries.
“China is also providing a number of vehicles, including buses, that will be used in Apec.
Back in Port Moresby, Deputy Prime Minister Charles Abel said China was coming in a “very strong way to support developments in the Pacific, including PNG”.