Papua New Guinea has reaffirmed its aspiration to become a full member of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko said at the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malasia, on 11 July 2025.
In a landmark address, Mr Tkatchenko reiterated PNG’s aspiration to transition from ASEAN Special Observer to full membership, underscoring the strategic and economic value PNG offers to the region.
“Papua New Guinea stands with one foot in Asia and one in the Pacific,” he stated. “Our inclusion would enhance ASEAN’s influence in the Indo-Pacific, particularly amid growing geopolitical tensions and cross-border security challenges.”
Minister Tkatchenko emphasized PNG’s readiness to contribute to ASEAN. He highlighted PNG’s potential to strengthen ASEAN–Pacific economic connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.
“PNG’s inclusion would give ASEAN an economic foothold in the Pacific and unlock trade and investment opportunities,” the Minister noted, referencing PNG’s abundant natural resources, including major LNG and crude oil exports, a 2.4 million km² EEZ, and globally significant biodiversity.
“The recent imposition of tariffs by major powers has impacted ASEAN’s economic security. PNG’s vast resource base can offer the bloc a reliable partner for diversification and growth.”
Minister Tkatchenko held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from ASEAN member states and dialogue partners, including Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, New Zealand, Thailand, and Turkey. Discussions focused on deepening relations and rallying support for PNG’s ASEAN membership aspirations.
Although PNG has not yet submitted a formal application for full membership, the Department of Foreign Affairs will now prepare a Cabinet Policy Submission for consideration by the National Executive Council (NEC).
PNG has maintained ASEAN Special Observer status since 1976 and is a permanent member of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the largest Asia-Pacific political and security forum comprising ASEAN’s 10 member states,10 Dialogue Partners, and seven Observers.
PNG has established full diplomatic missions in four (4) ASEAN countries, with a fifth mission to open in Thailand later this year—progressively fulfilling ASEAN’s membership expectations.
Minister Tkatchenko concluded: “Papua New Guinea respects the ASEAN process and stands ready to commit fully to its obligations, initiatives, and agreements. We offer strategic geography, surplus resources, and steadfast commitment to peace and regional cooperation.”
This renewed bid marks a pivotal step in PNG’s 49-year engagement with ASEAN and its continued role as a bridge between Asia and the Pacific.
Papua New Guinea is the largest Pacific Island nation, home to over 800 languages and immense natural and ecological wealth. It has participated as an ASEAN Special Observer since 1976 and a permanent ASEAN Regional Forum member since 1994.