As Papua New Guinea (PNG) celebrates 50 years of independence, Prime Minister James Marape is calling for greater Pacific solidarity in the face of growing geopolitical tensions.
Speaking to PMN News, Marape emphasises regional unity ahead of the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting, from which Taiwan has been excluded.
“Togetherness is security and empowerment,” Marape says.
“They may be small island states by land size and population, but they are big ocean nations.
“In the ocean, you have vastness of space and resources.”
Marape confirmed that PNG had sent official advice to Solomon Islands, the host of the upcoming PIF Leaders Meeting.
Although not disclosing the letter’s full details, Marape reinforced the importance of maintaining the Forum’s original framework and collective approach.
On the bilateral front, Marape warmly acknowledged his island nations’ longstanding ties with Aotearoa New Zealand, symbolised by Prime Minister Luxon’s visit a month ahead of PNG’s celebrations of 50 years of independence.
During the visit, Luxon reflected on his second trip to PNG since becoming Prime Minister, and becoming the first New Zealand Prime Minister to deliver a formal address in PNG’s Parliament.
Addressing PNG’s 50th anniversary of independence, Marape identified the country’s greatest achievement as maintaining national unity and democracy despite extraordinary cultural diversity.
“We are the most diverse nation on earth,” Marape says.
“We have over 800 languages, about 1,000 cultural groups to hold together in the midst of that diversity as one united nation and maintaining and preserving our democracy.
“For me, it is the greatest test of resilience.”
He also expressed aspirations for PNG to become an equal partner alongside Australia and New Zealand in regional affairs.
While reviewing his role as leader of a nation with more than double New Zealand’s population, Marape acknowledged the significant responsibility.
“Trying my best at every moment of my working hours.
“I’m happy my people do understand,” he said.
