Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Friday that the country attaches great importance to its relations with Papua New Guinea (PNG) during his talks with PNG Governor-General Bob Dadae.

Xi, who is on a state visit to PNG, expressed his hope that the tour will help further elevate bilateral ties and promote fruitful cooperation between the two countries in a wide range of areas.

It is Xi's first visit to PNG. Since China and PNG established diplomatic relations in 1976, the two countries have been rapidly expanding cooperation in various fields, laying a solid foundation for future development of their ties, he noted.

China is firmly committed to enhancing solidarity and cooperation with PNG and other Pacific island countries, Xi stressed.

Dadae said PNG and China enjoy profound friendship and hailed Xi's visit as a "milestone" in bilateral relations.

The PNG governor-general thanked China for helping his country in areas such as infrastructure construction, education and health. He also thanked China for its support to PNG in hosting the 26th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting.

During his stay in PNG, Xi will also meet with leaders from the eight Pacific island countries that have diplomatic relations with China and attend the annual APEC meeting.