Papua New Guinea Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Bulolo Sam Basil has been appointed as Acting Prime Minister for the next 14 days.
Prime Minister James Marape made the announcement before departing for China Thursday.
Marape is accompanied by Commerce Minister William Sam, Petroleum Minister Kerenga Kua and Fisheries Minister Dr Lino Tom and other relevant government officials.
Prime Minister James Marape and his delegation is travelling to China to entice reputable Chinese corporations to invest in downstream processing as well as oil, gas, agriculture and fisheries among others.
The visit comes at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics.
Marape will also engage in high-level bilateral talks with President Xi and Premier Li Keqiang apart from the international sports event.
His visit to China ends on 08 February.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Marape and his delegation are expected to visit France from 09 – 13 February after visiting China.
The purpose of the France visit is to strengthen bilateral relations and discuss the Papua LNG and Pynang gas projects.
Marape will be attending the One Ocean Summit to discuss the conservation and sustainable management of vast oceans including the Pacific.
The summit will enable leaders to engage in discussions to protect and conserve the World’s oceans from the effects of climate change and develop mitigation and adaptation technologies that will help in reducing emissions and safeguarding the environment.
Bilateral talks will also take place between him and President Emmanuel Macron. Whilst there, Marape will also take the opportunity to meet with the Chief Executive Officer of French Petroleum Company, Total Energies, to finalise and sell the Papua LNG and Pynang gas projects.
SOURCE: NBC NEWS PNG/ PACNEWS
