Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has returned to Papua New Guinea after a productive visit to Palau, where he attended the inauguration of President Surangel Whipps Jr. and held strategic discussions on regional collaboration.
The visit underscored Papua New Guinea’s commitment to strengthening relationships with Pacific Island nations and enhancing cooperation in areas of shared interest, particularly fisheries, maritime security, and regional economic development.
“Palau is an important partner in the Pacific, and our collaboration highlights the significance of our shared resources and cultural ties. Together, the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) nations control 25–30% of the world’s tuna supply and 60% of the tuna catch from the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO). Papua New Guinea contributes approximately 17% of the WCPO’s tuna catch, making us a leading player in this vital industry,” said Prime Minister Marape.
Key Outcomes of the Visit
1. Regional Fisheries Cooperation: The Prime Minister discussed opportunities to enhance the management and sustainability of Pacific fisheries. Palau’s partnership in the Vessel Day Scheme (VDS) was highlighted, with unused fishing days being transferred to PNG in the past, creating mutually beneficial economic opportunities.
2. Tourism and Connectivity: Talks included exploring direct flight routes between PNG and Palau, with potential extensions to markets such as the Philippines and Japan. These routes aim to boost tourism and trade opportunities for both nations.
3. Cultural and Historical Ties: The visit also highlighted deep cultural connections between PNG and Palau, with many Palauan citizens tracing their roots to PNG. This shared history, dating back to pre-colonial times, remains a foundation for continued people-to-people relationships.
4. Strategic Partnerships for Development: Plans to expand fisheries processing hubs in PNG were discussed as part of a broader strategy to enhance the value chain in the maritime economy. Key locations such as Manus were identified for potential development, which would generate jobs and drive economic growth.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the visit to Palau is part of his government’s strategic focus on building partnerships across the Pacific. “These relationships are crucial not only for resource sharing but also for fostering economic resilience and regional stability. Palau may be small in population, but its influence in the Pacific maritime space is significant, and together we are stronger,” he stated.
The Prime Minister also reaffirmed PNG’s commitment to collaborating with Pacific nations on shared challenges, including climate change, marine conservation, and economic development. As PNG marks its 50th anniversary of independence, Prime Minister Marape noted that such partnerships are critical to shaping the nation’s path toward greater self-reliance and prosperity over the next 50 years.