PRIME Minister James Marape has announced his state visit to France for high-level bilateral meeting with President Emmanuel Macron which is aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic, Defence, climate and business ties between the two countries.
Prime Minister Marape noted that France is the leading economy in the European Union and a key Pacific stakeholder through its territories in the region.
“This visit reflects PNG’s growing role and strategic relevance not only in the Pacific but globally,” Mr. Marape said.
Mr. Marape said that President Macron made a state visit to PNG almost three years ago and he noted that PNG is due to reciprocate bilateral implication to France.
Prime Minister Marape emphasize that the priority of the visit would be advancing Economic Partnership between PNG and France.
“We want to grow our trade relationship with France and the European Union and create greater opportunities for our Exports and Investments,” he said.
The visit also marks a milestone for PNG and France as the two countries celebrates 50 years of Diplomatic Relations.
Prime Minister Marape said that discussions with President Macron and French officials would focus on strengthening Cooperation in trade, investment, climate change, renewable energy, maritime security, infrastructure financing, and economic development.
The Prime Minister revealed that he would also address a distinguished audience of French Senate and leadership representatives on contemporary Global and Regional issues, including climate change, Pacific security, and Papua New Guinea’s increasing leadership role in the Region.
“Papua New Guinea is strategically located between the Pacific and Asia, and our perspectives are increasingly being acknowledged globally,” he said.
“We recently hosted the historic Melanesian Ocean Summit, which brought together Pacific and ASEAN leaders, demonstrating Papua New Guinea’s growing Regional leadership.”
Mr. Marape also announced that PNG and France are expected to progress Cooperation arrangements in Defence and Maritime Security, including the proposed PNG–France Ship Rider Agreement aimed at combating illegal fishing and protecting Pacific maritime resources.
He also highlighted Papua New Guinea’s Climate and Conservation partnership with France, noting the ongoing K120 million Forest, Climate, and Biodiversity program currently operating in PNG.
“President Macron and I walked together at Varirata National Park during his visit to Papua New Guinea, symbolising our shared commitment to protecting the environment,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Prime Minister Marape also confirmed that he would meet with TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné to progress discussions on Papua LNG and Domestic Energy Security.
The Prime Minister will return later this week following the completion of his official engagements in France.