On the afternoon of April 28 (Beijing time), Chen Dexin, Chairman of China Minmetals, met with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and his delegation in Guangzhou. The Prime Minister was in China to attend the Papua New Guinea–China Business Roundtable. The two sides had thorough discussions on enhancing friendly bilateral ties, boosting practical industrial cooperation, and accelerating key projects. Those in attendance included Qian Bo, Special Envoy of the Chinese Government for Pacific Island Countries Affairs; Yang Xiaoguang, Chinese Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, and Xu Jiqing, Deputy General Manager of China Minmetals.

Chen Dexin thanked the Papua New Guinea government for its support of China Minmetals' operations in the country. He stated that China regards Papua New Guinea as an important partner for cooperation in the South Pacific and a key participant in the Belt and Road Initiative. The Ramu nickel‑cobalt project of China Minmetals in Papua New Guinea has elevated the standard of bilateral cooperation. It has made tangible contributions to local resource development, increased tax revenues, and helped secure employment. It is hoped that both sides shall enhance regular communication and build on the cooperation already in place. China Minmetals is prepared to move forward with key mining projects steadily while actively seeking collaboration in related areas. The company will continue to honor its commitment to green development and its local social responsibilities—contributing in turn to Papua New Guinea's industrial upgrading and to the broader growth of the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.

Prime Minister Marape fully affirmed China Minmetals' operational successes in Papua New Guinea, as well as its positive contributions to local economic and social development. He observed that China and Papua New Guinea share deep historical and cultural ties, along with a longstanding friendship. He also noted Papua New Guinea's significant mineral resource potential and extended a welcome to China Minmetals to expand its investment and explore new avenues for cooperation together. The government of Papua New Guinea hopes to use this meeting as an opportunity to strengthen mutual trust and cooperation, achieve mutual benefit and win-win results, and together usher in a new chapter of friendly bilateral cooperation.

Relevant personnel from the Papua New Guinea government, as well as from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and China Minmetals, attended the talks.