Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko has praised outgoing Chinese Ambassador to PNG, His Excellency, Zeng Fanhua for strengthening the bilateral relationship between Papua New Guinea and China. Minister Tkatchenko highlighted the numerous successful visits and agreements, including MOUs signed during the tenure of Ambassador Zeng, reflecting the strong China-PNG partnership. "You put your heart, your strength and all your ability in making the relationship between China and PNG bigger and better than it its ever been before," Minister Tkatchenko told Ambassador Zeng during his farewell function. "That shows our relationship as well with our two heads of government." "Ambassador, your term here has been remarkable, its been one of consultation with all of us, one of energy, friendship and you have put the commitment, responsibility and the initiative into ensuring that our China-PNG relationship grows stronger going forward into the years ahead." Minister Tkatchenko said the Marape-Rosso government holds the One-China policy and works with the Chinese government for the benefit of both countries in the bilateral relationship moving forward for bigger and better partnerships. "We've had many successful visits and the last visit was by the Foreign Minister of China, His Excellency Mr Wang Yi who came here and we signed many MOUs and different agreements for the benefit of our country economically and physically.' "It's been a privilege to work with you side by side as Foreign Minister and thank you for your efforts in working with all our governors, MPs, Prime Minister and even business houses, Chinese community in PNG, they appreciate your leadership, your honesty, trust and professionalism." "We look forward to receive the new ambassador and we will work closely with him as we have done with you." "Our China-PNG relationship will continue from where you left off and we look forward to our future relationship going forward." In response, Ambassador Zeng expressed gratitude for the support and friendship he received during his three-year term and announced his next posting as Chinese Ambassador to Berlin, Germany. H.E. Zeng Fanhua arrived in PNG in May of 2021 and had served for three years. He had travelled to 11 provinces besides NCD and had made many friends whom he said he will miss. "It was a journey of learning about and to falling in love with PNG." "I's hard for me to leave so many friends I made this time, leaders, officials, representatives of the government, parliament, agencies, universities, communities, PNG and Chinese companies and colleagues of the diplomatic Corp, you all have given me a lot of help and support." "Together we have gone through the covid pandemic, we shared, joys and sorrows, we were partners at the beginning and gradually became good friends and brothers. I would like to thank you all for your help and friendship." "I will leave PNG happy and satisfied, through joint efforts we have achieved many successes we can be proud of."