Minister of Information and Communications Matthew met with New Chinese Ambassador to Papua New Guinea Yang Xiaoguang

Minister of Information and Communications Timothy Matthew yesterday thanked the government and people of the People's Republic of China for their sincere and sustained support to the Government and people of Papua New Guinea.

Minister Matthew expressed special gratitude to the new Chinese Ambassador, Yang Xiaoguang, for his first formal meeting with him less than a week after taking office.

Matthew told the ambassador that he will pay an official visit to China next week and will discuss support for the ICT development of Papua New Guinea and the "smart city" concept in Port Moresby, and officials from the NCDC will also be in the delegation.

"I will also have Amos, CEO of Papua New Guinea Telecom. Mr.Tpy, CEO, Paul. Mr.Conboy, NBC Managing Director Cora. Mr.Nuo and DICT Secretary Steven. Mr.Martenahoe. This is a follow-up to the recent memorandum of ICT development signed with the Chinese government.”

Minister Matthew welcomed the statement of the new ambassador that he was here to develop a healthier relationship with Papua New Guinea to take the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level.

"ICT is the key to the development of this era, and taking our relationship to a new level means making ICT a key part of all development aspirations and future plans. His appointment to Papua New Guinea after many years in Europe is a recognition of our desire to be a modern country, and we applaud his appointment.”

Matthew acknowledged China's role in international relations in promoting peace and development through mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs, listed China's role in the Russo-Ukrainian war and the Palestinian issue, and urged China to strengthen its efforts to seek peace through peaceful means rather than war.

"We also welcome Yang's statement, reaffirming its commitment to continued assistance in different areas, exploring ways to help our ICT sector and encouraging more Chinese investment in Papua New Guinea.”