Prime Minister Hon. James Marape today returned to the country following a two week-long official visit to the United States and United Kingdom, during which he advanced Papua New Guinea’s national interests through high-level engagements on climate, investment, resource development, defence, and economic resilience.
In a press conference at Jacksons International Airport, the Prime Minister described the mission as “strategic and future-focused,” aligning with the Government’s agenda to elevate PNG’s standing in the global community during its 50th year of Independence.
“This trip was about building bridges—spiritual, economic, and diplomatic,” Prime Minister Marape said. “We are returning with stronger partnerships, renewed investor confidence, and clear signals of international trust in Papua New Guinea’s future.”
SDA 62nd General Conference – St. Louis (5 July 2025)
Prime Minister Marape made a brief address at the 62nd General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, highlighting the contribution of churches to national unity and development. He thanked the SDA global leadership for its continuing partnership with Papua New Guinea.
Audience with His Majesty King Charles III – Gloucestershire (7 July 2025)
At a bilateral meeting with King Charles III at the Highgrove Estate, Prime Minister Marape emphasised PNG’s leadership on climate and rainforest preservation.
He described PNG’s tropical forests as “oxygen banks and seed reserves”, vital to global climate balance, and advocated for stronger recognition of Indigenous knowledge and custodianship in conservation policy. The meeting symbolised shared values between PNG and the UK as PNG commemorates its 50th Independence anniversary.
Executive Meeting with ExxonMobil – Houston (9 July 2025)
In Houston, the Prime Minister met with ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods and executives from TotalEnergies and Kumul Petroleum to discuss sequencing of major resource projects including Papua LNG, P’nyang LNG, and the Wildebeest gas field.
All parties reaffirmed their commitment to coordinated development that supports:
• Long-term investor confidence
• Infrastructure continuity
• PNG job creation over the next 10–15 years
The Prime Minister also commended the growing number of Papua New Guineans now working at ExxonMobil’s headquarters—a direct result of early localisation strategies.
Condolences to Texas Flood Victims
During his time in Texas, Prime Minister Marape extended heartfelt condolences to President Donald Trump, Governor Greg Abbott, and the people of Texas following devastating floods in Central Texas that claimed over 100 lives.
On behalf of the Government and people of Papua New Guinea, he paid tribute to the emergency responders and expressed PNG’s solidarity with the United States during this difficult time.
Strategic Bilateral Talks – Washington, D.C. (10 July 2025)
In Washington, the Prime Minister held high-level talks with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and relevant government offices and departments.
Key discussions focused on:
• Trade and investment, particularly in fisheries, hospitality, and energy
• Defence and maritime cooperation, including fuel security and surveillance
• A shared commitment to upholding Pacific stability and sovereignty
The United States confirmed its participation in PNG’s 50th Independence celebrations in September, and both sides agreed to deepen collaboration through regional joint ventures.
White House Bilateral with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance
In a landmark event, Prime Minister Marape became the first PNG Prime Minister to hold formal bilateral talks at the White House.
His meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance focused on:
• Strengthening democratic and Christian values
• Advancing economic cooperation and regional security
• Expanding U.S. investments in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and tourism
The Prime Minister thanked companies such as ExxonMobil, Barrick, and Hilton for their long-standing contributions and invited further U.S. investment into PNG’s rural economy.
He confirmed that preparations are now underway for a future meeting with President Trump, with a view to elevating PNG–U.S. relations to a strategic partnership level.
Wafi-Golpu Project Negotiations – Newmont Mining (Washington, D.C.)
In a targeted engagement with Newmont Mining, Prime Minister Marape formally presented PNG’s position on the Wafi-Golpu Project, encouraging the company to return to Port Moresby for a week-long round of negotiations with the State Negotiating Team.
He stressed the importance of concluding an agreement that delivers long-term economic and social returns for the people of PNG, particularly landowners in Morobe Province.
High-Level Economic Engagement with IMF – Washington, D.C. (11 July 2025) The Prime Minister held strategic discussions with IMF Deputy Managing Director Bo Li and senior IMF staff, reaffirming PNG’s economic trajectory and reform commitment.
Key outcomes included:
• GDP growth forecast for 2025: 4.7%
• Balanced budget goal: 2027
• Debt-free PNG by: 2033
• IMF contributor status by: 2045
He also presented results from PNG’s 33-point home-grown reform agenda, including:
• Exchange rate stability
• Growth in agriculture and fisheries revenue
• Responsible debt management
• Establishment of the Sovereign Wealth Fund framework
Call for Dedicated IMF Facility for Pacific Island States (SIDS)
As a regional advocate, Prime Minister Marape urged the IMF to establish a Special Support Mechanism for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) facing climate-driven and external economic shocks.
He proposed the establishment of:
• Grants and concessional loans for climate resilience
• Support for food and fuel security
• Structural funding for disaster adaptation and recovery
“These nations are punished for crises they didn’t cause,” the Prime Minister said, echoing a call for global justice and equity in development finance.
The IMF acknowledged the proposal and committed to reviewing its regional support models for the Pacific.
Looking Ahead – PNG at 50
“As we prepare to celebrate 50 years of independence, we do so knowing the next 50 years will be shaped by our discipline, reform, and unity,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“Papua New Guinea is no longer on the sidelines—we are at the table, leading conversations on climate, trade, and investment with confidence and clarity.”