On August 6, 2006, Papua New Guinean Prime Minister Michael Somareon met with Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, who was on an official visit to the country. Both sides agreed to take the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties as an opportunity and push bilateral friendly relations of mutual benefits to a new level.

Somareon said this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Papua New Guinea and China and the Chinese foreign minister's visit is conducive to pushing for in-depth development of bilateral ties. He noted the relationship between the two countries has remained stable since it was established 30 years ago. He added the bilateral cooperation has expanded into all fields and China's assistance has brought lots of tangible benefits to the Papua New Guinean people. The measures to support the accelerated development of island countries, which China raised at the China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum, have great significance on boosting economic and social development of the island nations, he said. The government of Papua New Guinea firmly adheres to the one-China policy and hopes to strengthen the two country's cooperation in the fields such as economy and trade, investment, communications, education and humanities, he added. Papua New Guinea is also willing to build up the friendship and understanding between the two peoples and to keep closer coordination and cooperation with China in international affairs so as to promote the development of bilateral ties, the Papua New Guinean prime minister said.

Li noted that since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have shown mutual respect and treated each other sincerely. He said both sides have conducted a wide range of cooperation based on equality and mutual benefit and maintained support and coordination on major international and regional affairs. Papua New Guinea is China's important partner in the Pacific region and China hopes to maintain the momentum of high-level exchange between the two countries, expand the scale of bilateral trade and investment, and strengthen the economic and technological cooperation as well as humanities exchanges, said Li, adding that China appreciates Papua New Guinea's adherence to the one-China policy.

During his visit, Li also held talks with Papua New Guinean Minister for Treasury and Minister for Foreign Affairs Rabbie Namaliu, exchanging in-depth views with him on developing bilateral relations and regional and international issues of common concern.