PRIME Minister James Marape has welcomed the United States delegation led by Ambassador Michael G. DeSombre, United States Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, to PNG for the second Papua New Guinea–United States Strategic Partnership Dialogue currently taking place in Port Moresby.
Mr. Marape said the dialogue reflected the growing strategic partnership between PNG and the United States, built on shared democratic values, investment, trade, regional cooperation, and long-standing people-to-people ties.
“We are honoured to welcome Ambassador Michael G. DeSombre and his delegation to Papua New Guinea for this important second Strategic Partnership Dialogue,” Mr. Marape said.
“The first dialogue was held in Washington DC two years ago, and this second meeting demonstrates our mutual commitment to strengthening and deepening relations between our two countries.
“We intend for this dialogue to become an annual engagement because PNG and the United States are strategic partners with shared interests in regional stability, economic growth, and development.”
Mr. Marape said PNG occupied a unique and important strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region due to its geography, cultural diversity, and proximity to both the Pacific and Asia.
“We are a member of APEC, a member of the Pacific Islands Forum, and an associate member of ASEAN.
“These three important regional groupings place PNG at the centre of major regional discussions on trade, security, economic development, and cooperation.”
He also conveyed PNG’s congratulations to the United States as it celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence this year.
“This is an important milestone not only for the United States, but for democracies around the world,” he said.
“Today, the United States remains the world’s largest democracy and biggest economy, and Papua New Guinea, as a fellow democracy, shares many of the same free-market and democratic values.
“Freedom is encapsulated within democracy, and these are values we continue to respect and uphold in our own country.”
Mr. Marape added that PNG looks forward to joining the United States in commemorating the historic occasion.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Papua New Guinea, I extend our warm congratulations to President Donald Trump, the Government, and the people of the United States as they celebrate this milestone 250th anniversary,” he said.
“We offer our goodwill, friendship, and support as the United States marks this important chapter in its history.”
Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea’s relationship with the United States extended beyond diplomacy and security, encompassing business, investment, faith-based partnerships, education, and development cooperation spanning many decades.
“Many investors operating in Papua New Guinea come from the United States, including major companies such as ExxonMobil and Newmont Corporation.”
“Many church workers, missionaries, and development partners serving our country over many years have also come from the United States.
“We share important democratic values and strong people-to-people connections that continue to strengthen our bilateral relationship.”
Prime Minister Marape reiterated his Government’s policy position that PNG seeks stronger economic partnerships focused on trade, investment, and business opportunities rather than dependency on aid.
“Since coming into office in 2019, our Government has consistently told all our development partners that our focus is ‘not aid, but trade’,” he said.
“We welcome partnerships that help grow our economy, create jobs, increase investment, and support our long-term national development aspirations.
He added that this Strategic Partnership Dialogue is therefore not only about diplomacy and regional affairs, but also about expanding opportunities in trade, commerce, investment, energy, infrastructure, and economic cooperation.
He said PNG looks forward to the successful conclusion of the dialogue and the continued strengthening of relations with the United States.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Papua New Guinea, I personally welcome Ambassador DeSombre and his delegation to our country,” he said.
“We look forward to productive discussions that will help advance Papua New Guinea’s aspirations while strengthening our continued partnership with the United States for the benefit of both our peoples.”