HUNGARY TO JOIN FRANCE ADVOCATE FOR PNG AT EUROPEAN UNION

Papua New Guinea has found another important ally in the European Union for its push for greater environment conservation recognition, Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has said.

Prime Minister Marape said this as he commended Hungarian President, H.E Katalin Novak for agreeing to advocate for PNG at the EU when she chairs over the European block from next year 2024 onwards.

PM Marape said President Novak now joins French President Emmanual Macron who is a staunch advocate for PNG and the Small Island countries of the Pacific in environment conservation and climate change mitigation. 

He said, “I am glad to report that President Novak’s visit to our country has consolidated our bilateral relations with Hungary.

“From her conversations, she had a good visit to our country. She is fascinated with our environment, and agreed to partner with President Macron on our forests advocacy.  

“At our bi-lateral meeting this morning at the Nature Park, she said she would advocate for Papua New Guinea on the European Union when she assumes chairmanship in 2024.

“This is excellent news as we continue to strengthen our collaboration in environment advocacy, first with France and now Hungary through their Heads of State, who are becoming close friends of Papua New Guinea. 

“The European Union is a powerful block of nations, which has supported us with some trade and in our development agenda. President Novak’s chairmanship next year will help to strengthen EU’s connection to us in the middle of the Indo-Pacific focus,” said PM Marape.