Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called for cooperation with Papua New Guinea in trade, energy, natural resources, infrastructure, agriculture and culture.

China is willing to boost bilateral relations with Papua New Guinea, China's important partner in the South Pacific, Xi said.

Xi made the remarks at the meeting with visiting Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, who is in Beijing to attend the 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting from Nov. 10-11.

Papua New Guinea is a major leader in regional cooperation among Pacific islands countries, said Xi, who is going to visit Fiji and meet with leaders of the countries that have diplomatic relations with China in the next few days.

Xi said he expects to hold discussions with leaders of these countries, including Papua New Guinea, on friendly cooperation.

O'Neill told Xi that Chinese investment have contributed to his country's economic growth and people's livelihood.

Papua New Guinea is looking forward to more cooperation with China and will promote the relations between China and other Pacific island countries.