PAPUA New Guinea has taken a major step in strengthening its diplomatic presence in the Pacific after breaking ground for a new chancery in Port Vila, Vanuatu.
The ceremony, held on Friday, came a day after Vanuatu celebrated its 46th Independence anniversary and followed bilateral talks between Prime Minister James Marape and Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat.
The new chancery will be built on land donated by the Vanuatu Government, marking the first permanent home for Papua New Guinea’s diplomatic mission in the country.
Prime Minister Napat said the donation was a gesture of appreciation for Papua New Guinea’s support during Vanuatu’s struggle for independence in 1980, when the Papua New Guinea Defence Force helped restore peace during political unrest.
He also announced that the Vanuatu Government would contribute 100 million Vatu towards the construction of the new diplomatic complex.
Prime Minister Marape welcomed the support, saying the project reflected the deep historical ties and shared Melanesian identity of the two countries.
He said the new chancery would strengthen cooperation in trade, security, infrastructure development and other areas of mutual interest while providing Papua New Guinea with a permanent diplomatic base in Vanuatu.
Mr Marape also announced PNG’s commitment to assist with the upgrading of Port Vila’s Kumul Highway ahead of Vanuatu’s 50th Independence anniversary in 2030. He said PNG would also provide land in Port Moresby for Vanuatu to establish its own chancery, describing the move as a sign of the strong and enduring partnership between the two neighbouring nations.