PM MARAPE WELCOMES NEW TOTALENERGIES SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AS PAPUA LNG TALKS PROGRESS

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea — Prime Minister Hon. James Marape today formally welcomed Mr Mansur Zhakupov, Senior Vice President for Asia Pacific at TotalEnergies, during a high-level meeting at Melanesian Haus as discussions continue on the advancing Papua LNG Project.

Prime Minister Marape congratulated Mr Zhakupov on his appointment and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to working with TotalEnergies on what he described as one of Papua New Guinea’s most significant nation-building investments.

“I officially welcome Mr Zhakupov to Papua New Guinea and to our ongoing partnership discussions on Papua LNG. This project is important not only to TotalEnergies and its partners, but to our people and our national economy,” Prime Minister Marape said.

The meeting followed earlier engagements between Prime Minister Marape and TotalEnergies executives held last week on the margins of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where the Prime Minister reaffirmed PNG’s commitment to progressing major, bankable resource projects under fair and balanced commercial arrangements.

Prime Minister Marape said discussions in Davos and in Port Moresby were guided by a clear principle: ensuring the Papua LNG Project is economically viable for Papua New Guinea while allowing investors to earn a fair and competitive return.

“Papua New Guinea wants serious investors who are prepared to work with us in a spirit of partnership. Projects must be commercially viable, but they must also deliver lasting value to the country,” he said.

He reiterated the Marape-Rosso Government’s strong support for globally significant investments and welcomed reputable international energy companies operating in Papua New Guinea.

“We appreciate global players like TotalEnergies who bring technical expertise, capital strength and a long-term outlook. Papua New Guinea remains open for responsible investment,” Prime Minister Marape said.

The Prime Minister emphasized the Government’s expectation that Papua LNG would maximize local participation through employment, skills transfer, local contractors and the use of in-country resources.

“Our people must not just watch development happen around them. Papua LNG must actively invest in Papua New Guineans — in labour, training, local businesses and national capacity,” he said.

He also called on TotalEnergies and other resource developers to continue investing in community development initiatives in project impact areas, noting that sustainable projects are those that uplift communities alongside national growth.

“Community benefits are an essential part of responsible resource development. When communities see tangible improvements, projects gain long-term stability and trust,” Prime Minister Marape said.

Prime Minister Marape noted that Papua LNG is central to the Government’s broader strategy to build a diversified and resilient economy, supported by world-class resource projects that drive infrastructure development, revenue generation and downstream opportunities.

He confirmed that the State Negotiating Team is currently engaged in technical discussions overseas, with further engagement planned with international partners once alignment is achieved on the project.

“Our engagement with TotalEnergies reflects the seriousness with which we approach Papua LNG. We want the project to move forward in a way that benefits both the investor and the country,” he said.

Mr Zhakupov acknowledged the Government’s leadership and reaffirmed TotalEnergies’ commitment to continued dialogue with the State and its partners as negotiations progress.

Prime Minister Marape concluded by reaffirming Papua New Guinea’s readiness to work constructively with TotalEnergies to bring Papua LNG to fruition.

“Papua LNG represents opportunity — for our economy, our people and our partners. We are committed to unlocking that opportunity responsibly and sustainably,” Prime Minister Marape said.