Wednesday 17 July, 2024
ICT Minister Hon. Timothy Masiu receiving a gift from H.E Yang Xiaoguan Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to PNG, at the Chinese Embassy, Port Moresby.
Minister for Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Hon. Timothy Masiu, this morning met with the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to PNG, His Excellency Yang Xiaoguang.
This meeting, held at the Chinese Embassy, marks the first official engagement for H.E Yang since his appointment, and arrival in PNG on July 11, 2024
H.E Yang Xiaoguang welcomed Minister Masiu warmly, expressing his eagerness to collaborate.
“Minister Masiu is the first Minister I invited to the embassy,” he noted. “We want to work with you to see how we can improve the ICT space, following principles of no political interests, and empty words. I look forward to working with you and other Ministers in PNG.”
Minister Masiu, whilst reflecting on the strong PNG-China bilateral relations, stated, “Our government, under the leadership of Hon. James Marape and Deputy Prime Minister Rosso, has a strong relationship with China.
“ We are friends to all, that is the principle of our Prime Minister. We don’t want to be part of the geopolitics that other countries are part of.”
Minister Masiu also announced plans to visit China, aiming to build on the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two governments.
“I will visit China and discuss further plans on our recent MoU with the government of the People’s Republic of China,” he said.
H.E Yang Xiaoguang highlighted China’s economic strength and commitment to sustainable development.
“China is already the 2nd largest economy in the world, and now we’re focusing on sustainable development.
“This meeting is to take solid measures to move into the future. China is advanced in ICT technology, and we appreciate PNG’s stance of not getting dragged into geopolitical issues. China will continue to support developments in PNG.”
Minister Masiu outlined his Ministry’s vision, expressing gratitude for China’s ongoing support. “My Ministry is looking to China to develop our sector.
“We are bringing representatives from the NCD Provincial Government to explore how China can help us adapt the smart city concept in PNG’s capital, Port Moresby.
“For our A2D project, I want to thank the Chinese government again. The Vice Chairman for CPP handed over the keys to the new facility to the National Broadcasting Corporation. Your excellency, I want to thank you for inviting us.”
H.E Yang reaffirmed China’s commitment to PNG, stating, “China is a reliable partner to PNG. We will continue to provide assistance in different areas and explore ways to help your ICT sector. China’s position in PNG is no political interference, no empty words.
“I will encourage more Chinese investments in PNG and foster greater cooperation between our nations.”