H. E. Sir Silas Atopare, Governor General of the Independent Sate of Papua New Guinea will pay a good-will visit to the People’s Republic of China from 29 July to 4 August 2003. PNG Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare said that the visit would be a great opportunity to strengthen the bilateral relations. As head of state, Sir Silas would use the visit to thank the government and the people of China for their commitment in providing aid to PNG’s development. He said the visit would also restore the confidence and reassure the Chinese government that PNG supports the one China policy.

On 24 July, Sir Silas met in the Government House the Chinese Ambassador to PNG H. E. Mr. Li Zhengjun in a cordial and friendly atmosphere. Sir Silas expressed his appreciation to the Chinese government for inviting him to visit China and reiterated that he firmly supports the one China policy. Mr. Li expressed his appreciation of the Governor General’s adherence to the one China policy and said the Governor General will be warmly welcomed by the Chinese government and people. He will see with his own eyes the new economic development in China. His meetings with the Chinese leaders and people will further enhance the friendship and cooperation already existing between the two countries and peoples. Mr. Li also briefed Sir Silas on his travel itinerary in China and wished his visit a complete success.