Prime Minister Hon. James Marape today defended the value of his official visits to the United States and United Kingdom, as well as other similar prior engagements, affirming that such engagements are integral to Papua New Guinea’s diplomatic and development objectives ahead of and beyond the nation’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
“I understand the concerns regarding travel costs,” Prime Minister Marape told reporters upon his arrival at Jacksons International Airport this afternoon. “However, every Prime Minister before me and every Prime Minister to come must represent Papua New Guineans on the world stage. These invitations are extended because our partners recognise PNG’s growing role in global affairs.”
Responding to Opposition claims labelling the trips as “lavish” and “unnecessary,” the Prime Minister emphasized that diplomatic travel is not a personal indulgence but a core responsibility of the Office. “When we attend summits, bilateral meetings, and high-level engagements, we unlock opportunities that translate into real benefits for our people,” he said.
PM Marape highlighted some concrete, significant outcomes from his past overseas engagements, providing examples in the area of climate change and forest conservation, given PNG being a rainforest nation: “We secured more than K200 million from the Green Climate Fund and over K100 million from the French Government to accelerate our forestry and marine conservation efforts. This funding directly supports communities that rely on our forests and oceans for sustenance and livelihoods.” This is apart from many other positive outcomes from past international trips.
On the energy and investment front, the Prime Minister reported from his engagements in the United States last week, positive progress on the proposed US$40 billion PNG–ExxonMobil Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) expansion. “ExxonMobil’s CEO Darren Woods and senior leadership reaffirmed their commitment to our LNG projects, which promise to generate thousands of jobs and spur infrastructure development over the next decade,” he said. This is just another example of many fruitful gains from such international engagements.
Marape also stressed the importance of forging strategic partnerships. “Our discussions with senior US and UK figures over the past couple of weeks touched on security cooperation, climate resilience, and trade facilitation. As PNG turns 50, these alliances help cement our status as a stable, forward-looking nation in the Asia-Pacific region.”
On the royal connection to PNG’s golden jubilee, Marape shared that His Majesty King Charles III will not be joining PNG in its 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations this year but has given assurance that a senior royal family member as the King’s envoy will be joining the anniversary celebrations later this year. “This gesture underlines the enduring bonds between our peoples and crowns.”
When pressed about accountability and transparency, the Prime Minister pointed to routine public reporting on travel expenses and outcomes. “All our international travels are budgeted for. We publish detailed summaries of meetings and follow up with action plans. That level of oversight ensures that every kina spent yields measurable returns. And it is clearly evident that the positive outcomes and gains from these international trips far outweigh the costs involved for the trips.”
Calling for national unity during this milestone year for the country, in light of Papua New Guinea being part of the global community, Prime Minister Marape stated: “Fifty years is but a moment in our history. Let us harness the momentum from these international partnerships to secure a brighter future for PNG—one defined by sustainable growth, strong institutions, and shared prosperity.
“Such relationships, secured deep in the heart of these international meetings, are for trade and economic growth for our country. I have been securing markets globally—in G20 economies, Europe, North America, Asia—for our produce.
“Instead of Opposition Members of Parliament endlessly talking, they should be leading citizens to increase agricultural, fisheries, livestock, and other productivity. I have secured markets: China has granted phytosanitary clearance, opening its largest market for our exports. My job is to build bridges and maintain international connectivity so trade flourishes. These meetings are not mere government-to-government exchanges; at their core, they secure markets for our people’s produce.
“Opposition MPs should focus on boosting productivity—linking to SME funding, utilising their District Support Improvement Programme (DSIP), and driving commercial agriculture, fisheries, and forestry—so that our people earn from our resources. Over the last six years, I have laid the groundwork in the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe, South East Asia, North America, and now Africa, the Middle East – Saudi Arabia, and UAE. My mission is to harness economic value from our resources—including the forestry conservation I’ve championed—to benefit every Papua New Guinean.”