The United States and Papua New Guinea have pledged to deepen cooperation on security, law enforcement, digital connectivity and economic development following high-level talks in Port Moresby, with Washington also announcing plans to provide US$30 million for satellite internet connectivity across PNG.
The second United States–Papua New Guinea Strategic Partnership Dialogue was held on 07 May in Port Moresby between Michael George DeSombre, United States Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, and Papua New Guinea Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso.
According to the joint statement, “The dialogue reflects the commitment of both countries to continually strengthen the bilateral relationship.”
“This iteration of the dialogue focused on improving security cooperation and finding new areas of mutual interest for economic opportunities in pursuit of a more secure and prosperous future for both countries.”
The discussions built on the Framework for Strategic Cooperation signed in September 2025 by Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and former United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau during PNG’s 50th independence anniversary celebrations.
The framework identified four major pillars for cooperation: “Defence, Maritime Security, and Law Enforcement Cooperation; Critical Mineral and Infrastructure Cooperation; Economic and Commercial Cooperation; and Digital Economy Cooperation.”
Delegations from both countries discussed each pillar during working group sessions in Port Moresby.
A major announcement from the talks was Washington’s plan to support digital expansion in Papua New Guinea through satellite technology.
“During the dialogue, the Assistant Secretary announced the United States, working with Congress, intends to provide US$30 million for satellite internet connectivity in Papua New Guinea.”
The statement said the support would expand access to essential services in remote communities.
“This American technology will connect hundreds of remote health facilities, schools and disaster centres, linking Papua New Guineans to educational resources, healthcare services, economic opportunities, and global markets in a way previously unimaginable.”
The dialogue also highlighted recent developments in the relationship, including the signing of a Global Health Memorandum of Understanding and the approval for SpaceX to operate its Starlink service in Papua New Guinea.
Security cooperation featured heavily during the talks, with the United States sending what was described as the “largest-ever U.S law enforcement contingent to visit Papua New Guinea.”
The delegation included officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Homeland Security, United States Coast Guard, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centre and the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement.
Papua New Guinea’s delegation included representatives from Foreign Affairs, Defence, Trade and Investment, ICT and the Mineral Resource Authority.
The two countries also signed a new law enforcement agreement aimed at tackling organised crime and improving justice sector cooperation.
“The newly signed Letter of Agreement on law enforcement cooperation will enable the United States to provide comprehensive support to Papua New Guinea partners to combat money laundering, drug trafficking, transnational organized crime, cybercrime, strengthen criminal justice institutions and bilateral coordination.”
Both sides also pledged to strengthen maritime security cooperation, particularly in combating illegal fishing.
“Maritime security cooperation efforts will fight illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in Papua New Guinea’s exclusive economic zone — a crime that affects the entire the Pacific.”
The statement also stressed the importance of educational and professional exchanges between the two countries.
“The United States hosts educational and professional exchange programs to build relationships and share best practices between the citizens of our countries, sending students and young professionals to the United States to learn and grow in their fields.”
Assistant Secretary DeSombre and Deputy Prime Minister Rosso agreed to continue strengthening ties and confirmed the next Strategic Partnership Dialogue will be held in Washington after Papua New Guinea’s 2027 national elections.
“They expressed eagerness to build on the momentum generated this week to strengthen a relationship forged through sacrifice during World War II and guided by our shared values for generations to come.”
