The prime minister of Timor Leste has toured a Chinese naval training ship, the Qi Jiguang, which began its first-ever port call in Dili on Sunday, Xinhua reports.

The Chinese government-run news agency quotes the prime minister, Taur Matan Ruak, as saying after inspecting the facilities on board that the ship’s visit will increase Sino-Timorese naval cooperation and cooperation between ordinary Chinese and Timorese.

Mr Ruak acknowledged the inspiration and support the Chinese people have given his country in its quest for independence and development, the report says.

The Qi Jiguang visited Brunei before making its port call in Dili, and will go on to visit Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Fiji, Xinhua says.