Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian Photo: fmprc.gov.cn

China arranged the medical treatment for the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea,James Marape,immediately after he tested positive for COVID-19 upon arrival in China. The Papua New Guinea delegation strictly followed the COVID-19 prevention and control rules while in China, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Monday. 

Marape was invited to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, and he tested positive after arriving in Beijing. China immediately arranged medical experts to treat him, Zhao said at Monday's media briefing. He noted that Chinese leaders sent comforting messages to Marape, and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang had a virtual meeting with him. 

The delegation of Papua New Guinea has strictly followed the epidemic prevention protocols while staying in China and China wishes the Prime Minister a speedy recovery, Zhao said. 

Zhao's remarks came after a statement by the department of the prime minister of Papua New Guinea on Sunday announcing the prime minister's positive test result upon arrival in Beijing last Thursday evening. He returned to Papua New Guinea on Sunday.

Marape has hailed his recent China visit a successful one, the statement said.

Global Times