WASHINGTON D.C.: Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, MP, has arrived in the capital of the United States of America, for the second United States-Pacific Island Country Summit, commencing Monday (25-26/09/2023).

This summit builds on the historic first-ever Summit last year and augments discussions on shared priorities and commitments after the U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Dialogue, in Port Moresby, earlier in May 2023.

It will focus on key priority issues of climate change, sustainable and inclusive economic development, maritime security, rules-based international order and other multilateral priorities.

The inaugural US-PIC was also held in Washington D.C., last September. 

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Below are extracts from the US President Joe Biden’s letter to PM Marape inviting him to the 2nd US-PIC Summit in Washington D.C., early this month.:

“United by our shared values, this Summit will be an opportunity to discuss how we can continue advancing our shared vision of a free and open, resilient, and prosperous Pacific. 

“That includes building off of our progress last September, when our governments reaffirmed our commitment to partner with one another in pursuit of this vision through the first-ever Declaration on U.S.-Pacific Partnership. 

“We will also discuss opportunities to bolster Pacific regionalism.

“And we will focus on how we can deepen our cooperation on top challenges including tackling the climate crisis; advancing economic growth; promoting sustainable development; strengthening health security; expanding our people-to-people ties; and countering illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing,” 

“I look forward to welcoming you and our fellow Leaders to the White House, where we will take our partnership to new heights. 

“Together, I am confident we will not only continue to transform our plans into progress we will shape a future of greater possibilities for our people and people around the world.”