Prime Minister Hon. James Marape on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, welcomed the newly appointed French Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Pierre Fournier, in a meeting that highlighted the deepening partnership between PNG and France. The discussion covered shared interests including environmental conservation, military cooperation, trade, investment, and broader regional and global issues.
Prime Minister Marape congratulated Ambassador Fournier on his appointment and recognised France’s role as a key partner in PNG’s development. “France is an important partner to us. President Macron is a global leader in his own right, and his vision for sustainable development, environmental conservation, and global cooperation aligns closely with our own priorities,” he stated.
Ambassador Fournier shared that his predecessor has recently been appointed as the first French Ambassador to Samoa, marking a significant milestone in France’s growing engagement with the Pacific region. He emphasised France’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, underscoring its unique position as a G7 and G20 nation with a strong presence in the Pacific.
The discussion included updates on ongoing environmental and forestry conservation projects initiated during President Macron’s visit to PNG. Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed PNG’s commitment to global environmental efforts, stating, “Papua New Guinea is committed to playing its role in global environmental conservation. President Macron’s leadership in this area and our joint conservation projects serve as a model for what can be achieved globally.”
Ambassador Fournier reaffirmed France’s support for PNG’s conservation initiatives and pledged to accelerate project implementation. “France is eager to move forward on these initiatives. We will work closely with the PNG government to ensure swift progress,” he said.
The leaders reviewed the recently formalised PNG-France Security Agreement (SOFA). Ambassador Fournier highlighted upcoming visits by senior French military officials, scheduled for March. These visits aim to enhance defence cooperation, focusing on maritime security, training, and regional stability.
Prime Minister Marape noted PNG’s strategic geopolitical position as a bridge between the Pacific and Southeast Asia. “Papua New Guinea is the only Pacific nation with close proximity to Southeast Asia. This unique positioning enables us to foster regional collaboration and trade,” he said.
The Prime Minister also expressedPNG’s aspiration to become a full member of ASEAN and strengthen partnerships with economic blocs such as APEC. He underscored the importance of France’s support in driving PNG’s economic development, particularly through investments in infrastructure and trade.
Ambassador Fournier extended a formal invitation to Prime Minister Marape for the United Nations Conference on Oceans, to be held in June, with a focus on biodiversity conservation and climate action. He also discussed upcoming bilateral projects, including infrastructure financing and capacity-building initiatives.
Prime Minister Marape invited Ambassador Fournier to explore PNG’s natural and cultural diversity. “Papua New Guinea offers unparalleled beauty—from sun-kissed beaches and coral reefs to snow-capped mountains. We look forward to sharing our rich cultural heritage and unique landscapes with the world,” he said.
The Prime Minister announced plans to appoint a new PNG Ambassador to France to further strengthen diplomatic ties. “This will be a key step in enhancing our bilateral relationship and ensuring continued collaboration acrossall areas of mutual interest,” he said.
The meeting concluded with both leaders expressing optimism about the future of PNG-France relations. Prime Minister Marape remarked, “I look forward to working closely with you, Ambassador Fournier, to build on the strong foundation of our partnership and take it to new heights in the coming years.”