Chinese President Xi Jinping (C) is warmly welcomed by senior Papua New Guinea (PNG) officials and locals upon his arrival at the airport in Port Moresby, PNG, on Nov. 15, 2018. Xi arrived here Thursday to pay a state visit to PNG, meet with leaders of the Pacific island countries which have diplomatic ties with China and attend the 26th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

PORT MORESBY, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived here Thursday to pay a state visit to Papua New Guinea (PNG) and attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting.

Xi was warmly welcomed by senior PNG officials and locals at the airport.

He extended sincere greetings and good wishes to the PNG government and people on behalf of the Chinese government and people.

Noting that PNG is a Pacific island country with significant influence, Xi said that China and PNG have been conducting their relations based on principles of mutual trust, equality and win-win cooperation.

The two countries have achieved historic growth in the bilateral ties, which not only brought tangible benefits to both countries and peoples, but also served as an example of friendly relations between developing countries, Xi said.

China's development has brought about historic opportunities for Pacific island nations including PNG, said the Chinese president.

Xi said he expects to work with PNG to chart the course for further development of bilateral ties to reach a greater height through this visit.

During the visit, Xi will discuss cooperation plans in the new era with leaders of the Pacific island nations which have diplomatic ties with China.

China supports PNG in hosting the 26th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, the president said, adding that China is willing to work with all participating sides for the success of the meeting and inject fresh momentum into and make new contributions to the development of Asia-Pacific and world economy.

Xi's visit is the first by a Chinese head of state to the Pacific island nation since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1976.

During his stay in the PNG capital of Port Moresby, Xi is also scheduled to meet with leaders of eight Pacific island countries which have diplomatic ties with China.

PNG is the first stop of Xi's ongoing Asia-Pacific tour, which will also take him to Brunei and the Philippines.