Prime Minister Hon. James Marape on Friday, September 6, 2024, held bilateral talks with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu, Hon. Charlot Salwai, at Sir Manasupe Haus in Port Moresby.
The two leaders met for brief discussions on the sidelines of the Papal Visit to Papua New Guinea. Among the key topics discussed were PNG’s assistance to Vanuatu on trade-related matters and infrastructure development, with a particular focus on the Kumul Highway initiative in Port Vila, Vanuatu’s capital.
“The PNG Government is delighted to engage in cordial relations with the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu. Between the two nations who are part of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), we have enjoyed an atmosphere of close friendship, based on mutual trust and respect for each other since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 26th September, 1980,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“As Melanesian neighbours, we share close historic connections and similar values and interests through membership of regional and international organisations such as the United Nations, Pacific Islands Forum, Secretariat of the South Pacific, Commonwealth of Nations, and World Trade Organisation.”
The discussions also focused on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring business investment opportunities between the two nations. Prime Minister Marape highlighted PNG’s development plans and economic ventures, emphasising the potential for cooperation in fisheries, education, health, infrastructure, and tourism—areas in which PNG is offering assistance.
Prime Minister Marape also emphasised the importance of domesticating the Pacific fisheries industry and discussed the sharing of education, training resources, and health facilities. He mentioned the new cancer facility being developed in Port Moresby, which could benefit Vanuatu as well.
In the context of deepening ties, Prime Minister Marape proposed the establishment of a PNG diplomatic mission in Port Vila. Currently, the PNG High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Simon Kaul, is accredited to Vanuatu. PNG is also represented by an Honorary Consulate in Vanuatu, led by Mrs. Eileen Nganga, a Papua New Guinean with long-standing ties to the country.
Prime Minister Salwai expressed his appreciation for the meeting and affirmed Vanuatu’s willingness to cooperate and strengthen relations with PNG on the matters discussed. Both leaders highlighted the importance of maintaining cordial and friendly relations, and they discussed the possibility of official visits between the two Melanesian neighbours in the near future.