Prime Minister of New Zealand Hon. Christopher Luxon made a brief stopover in Port Moresby for a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, on his way to Japan.

Prime Minister Marape informed Prime Minister Luxon that Papua New Guinea holds New Zealand as an important partner in the Pacific, and New Zealand has always supported Papua New Guinea throughout its relations.

The Prime Minister also extended his appreciation of the support in relief supplies and technical assistance given to the Government of Papua New Guinea and the survivors of the Enga Province landslide.

In terms of Trade, Prime Minister Marape informed Prime Minister Luxon that PNG would like to shift away from talking about aid; however, have dialogues more on trade.

He added that currently, there is an imbalance of trade between both countries, and he hopes that a bilateral trade agreement can be reached for the benefit of both countries.

Prime Minister Marape further invited New Zealand investors to come and invest in PNG as well. New Zealand Prime Minister Hon. Christopher Luxon informed Prime Minister Marape that Papua New Guinea matters to New Zealand and that he looks forward to having a Statement of Partnership with PNG that will enhance existing bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Luxon added that he looks forward to having more conversations on the matters discussed during their bilateral meeting on the margins of the Pacific Islands Forum this year.

He further informed Prime Minister Marape that a business delegation from New Zealand will be visiting Papua New Guinea next week.