Visiting Papua New Guinean Prime Minister Michael T. Somare reiterated to Premier Wen Jiabao Monday his government's adherence to the one-China policy, regarding Taiwan as a province of China.

During talks with Somare in the Great Hall of the People Wen elaborated the Chinese government's stance on the Taiwan issue and spoke highly of the Papua New Guinean government and Somare for their adherence to the one-China policy.

Wen said China and Papua New Guinea had seen great progress in their relations since diplomatic ties were established in 1976.

The two countries had witnessed frequent exchanges of visits of senior officials and cooperation in all fields had expanded and economic ties had strengthened, Wen said.

Facts had proved that friendly cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit had brought substantial benefits to the two peoples, Wen said.

Wen proposed to maintain exchanges of high-level visits, expand contacts between the governments, parliaments and parties, enhance economic cooperation, especially in the mining, fishery, forestry, petroleum and natural gas sectors.

Wen also suggested further exchange and cooperation in the fields of culture, education, news media and sports to build solid people-to-people relationships.

The two countries could further consult and cooperate on regional and international affairs, Wen said.

He said it was an important part of China's foreign policy to enhance friendly relations of cooperation with countries in the South Pacific region.

Wen said China would continue to support those countries' efforts to strive for self-development, economic progress and to safeguard their legitimate rights and interests, and was ready to strengthen cooperation with them.

China would join efforts with countries in the South Pacific region to help uphold the interests of developing countries, Wen said.

Somare, who arrived in Beijing Monday for a four-day official visit at the invitation of Wen, said the Papua New Guinean government and people appreciated China's long-term assistance.

He welcomed Chinese enterprises investing in his country and appreciated China's important role in regional and international affairs.

Papua New Guinea attached importance to developing its relations with China, which it regarded as a genuine friend, Somare said.

The two countries signed five documents on economic, educational, agricultural and mining cooperation after the talks.

(Xinhua News Agency February 10, 2004)