Original title: Xi Jinping arrives in Port Moresby to begin a state visit to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, meet with leaders of Pacific island countries with diplomatic relations, and attend the 26th informal meeting of APEC leaders.

Xinhua News Agency, Port Moresby, November 15 (Reporter Yang Jingzhong, Luo Jun) - On the 15th, President Xi Jinping arrived in Port Moresby by special plane, beginning a state visit to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, meeting with leaders of Pacific island countries with diplomatic relations, and attending the 26th informal meeting of APEC leaders.

At around 8:05 PM local time, the special plane carrying Xi Jinping arrived at Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby. As Xi Jinping stepped out of the cabin, there was warm applause from the crowd. Papua New Guinea's Deputy Prime Minister Ebel and senior government officials warmly welcomed him at the foot of the stairs. A Papua New Guinean youth presented flowers to Xi Jinping. On both sides of the red carpet, honor guards stood tall and proud. Local dancers, wearing feathered headdresses and grass skirts, held skin drums and performed a lively welcoming dance. Outside the airport, crowds of people who had come spontaneously gathered along the street, waving Chinese flags to warmly welcome the distinguished guest from afar.

On behalf of the Chinese government and people, Xi Jinping extended sincere greetings and best wishes to the government and people of Papua New Guinea. Xi Jinping pointed out that Papua New Guinea is an important country in the Pacific island region. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 42 years ago, China and Papua New Guinea have always adhered to the principles of mutual respect, equality, and win-win cooperation, promoting the historic development of China-Papua New Guinea relations, which has brought tangible benefits to both countries and their peoples, and set a model for friendly relations among developing countries. China's development has provided historic opportunities for Pacific island countries, including Papua New Guinea. I look forward to working with the leaders of Papua New Guinea during this visit to outline a new blueprint for the development of China-Papua New Guinea relations and to further advance the relationship between the two countries. During the visit, I will also discuss with the leaders of the island countries with diplomatic relations the major plans for cooperation and development in the new era, to better benefit the people of both sides. China supports Papua New Guinea in hosting the 26th informal meeting of APEC leaders and is willing to work with all relevant parties to ensure the meeting is a complete success, injecting new momentum into the economic development of the Asia-Pacific and the world.

Ding Xuexiang, Yang Jiechi, Wang Yi, He Lifeng, and other accompanying personnel arrived on the same flight.

Xue Bing, the Chinese ambassador to Papua New Guinea, also arrived at the airport to welcome.

After concluding the itinerary in Papua New Guinea, Xi Jinping will also make state visits to Brunei and the Philippines.