Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has praised the strengthening of bilateral relations between Papua New Guinea and France, following a landmark meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron during the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference.
Prime Minister Marape described the bilateral as “one of the most significant engagements” for Papua New Guinea at the global stage, marking a high point in France–PNG relations. “France is not just a distant European partner. It is a global power with permanent seats on the UN Security Council, G7, and G20. That President Macron chose to meet with us first, among nearly 150 world leaders, speaks volumes of the mutual respect we now enjoy,” he said.
Key Outcomes of the Bilateral Meeting:
• High-Level Representation for PNG’s 50th Anniversary: France will send a senior government minister to join PNG’s 50th Independence celebrations in September 2025.
• Visa-On-Arrival for PNG Citizens: Prime Minister Marape confirmed that discussions are progressing towards granting Papua New Guineans online access or visa-on-arrival privileges to France and the EU, eliminating the need for third-country visa applications.
• Finalisation of Shiprider Agreement: The two leaders committed to finalising a Shiprider Agreement to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in PNG waters.
• Climate and Environmental Leadership: President Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to climate change mitigation and marine conservation. PNG and France will cooperate on preserving forest and ocean ecosystems, including the ongoing Managalas Conservation Project in Northern Province.
• Opposition to Deep Sea Mining: Both leaders agreed on the need for rigorous scientific studies before allowing deep sea mining. Prime Minister Marape reiterated PNG’s national policy against any such activity in the absence of proven environmental safeguards.
• Special Economic Zone for French Investment: Prime Minister Marape proposed the establishment of a designated special economic zone in PNG to attract French industries, highlighting PNG’s strategic position between Asia and the Pacific.
• PNG Embassy in Paris: PNG will soon appoint an ambassador to Paris, further institutionalising relations, in reciprocity for France’s diplomatic presence in Port Moresby.
• Support for PNG’s UN Ocean Conference Bid: In a major diplomatic win, President Macron announced France’s full support for Papua New Guinea’s bid to host a future United Nations Ocean Conference. This endorsement was formally declared during the Pacific Islands Forum session.
• Defence Cooperation: France has agreed to facilitate a visit by PNG’s Defence Minister to explore cooperation in enhancing PNG’s air and maritime surveillance capabilities.
Prime Minister Marape emphasised the enduring value of personal diplomacy in global relations, comparing today’s rapport with President Macron to the historic friendship between Sir Michael Somare and Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam that led to PNG’s independence in 1975.
“We should not underestimate the power of warm, personal relationships in advancing our national interests. This is how you build legacies that outlast political terms—through sincere engagement,” Prime Minister Marape said.
He added that France is now a close partner in the Pacific, particularly on issues of climate justice, forest and ocean stewardship, and regional development resilience.
“We are a forest nation and an ocean nation. Together, our ecosystems absorb far more carbon than we emit. It’s time we are recognised—and compensated—for that contribution,” he said, referring to PNG’s push for global climate financing tied to forest conservation and ocean protection.
Prime Minister Marape closed by reaffirming PNG’s commitment to the BBNJ Treaty on the conservation of biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, noting that PNG will lodge its ratification instruments with the UN during the September 2025 General Assembly in New York.