International Relations. Papua New Guinea press review

Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea (PNG) Hon. James Marape has thanked outgoing Ambassador of France to Papua New Guinea Phillippe Janvier-Kamiyama, for his work in fostering PNG-France relations successfully during his tour-of-duty. According to PNG Prime Minister, Mr. Janvier-Kamiyama was instrumental in assisting PNG secure the PGK340 million (US$97 million) European Union (EU) grant in 2019 to develop the Sepik Plains into an agri-business hub. His Excellency has also facilitated and made it possible for PNG to hold an inaugural Trade and Investment Forum in 2016 in Paris. Papua New Guinea established formal diplomatic relations with France on the 22nd of June 1976, and continues to maintain friendly relations to this day. [1]

The Indonesian Government has confirmed and maintained that the Indonesian naval base built in Torasi, at the border between PNG and Indonesia, is located in the Indonesian territory. Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to PNG Andriana Supandy said that there was nothing to be worried about since the issue was already dealt with and addressed by the Joint Sub Committee on Security Matters by PNG and Indonesian governments in 2012, and 2016 respectively. «At the time both governments have agreed that the issues have been settled and there won’t be any further discussion needed in future meeting. However, since the issues is drawing some more attention, it is already reported to all the related stakeholders and further discussion will be placed regarding the need to do a reverification,» Mr. Andriana Supandy said. Earlier PNG Defence Force Commander Major-General Gilbert Toropo said that they are working with, both sides to do a combined joint border survey to ensure the border marks are clearly defined, so there is no confusion. [2]

However, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia still need to ratify the Land Border Transportation Agreement between the two countries to allow easy access to both countries. And Indonesia President Joko Widodo is expected to establish a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a core area to increase the relations on economic and trade investment with Papua New Guinea. Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Papua New Guinea, Andriana Supandy said that Indonesia and PNG are ready to sign the proposed land border transportation agreement to further enhance and strengthen government to government, people to people, business to business relations with both countries. [3]

National Capital District (NCD, Port Moresby) Governor Powes Parkop has thanked Fijian investors and the business community in PNG for promoting trade relations between the two countries. Mr. Parkop delivered a speech during celebrations in Port Moresby of Fiji’s 50th Independence Anniversary. «The establishment of Fijian-owned businesses in PNG has presented Papua New Guineans with many employment opportunities, and provided genuine competition in terms of variety and quality of goods and services and help all of us build our business and link our two countries closer and closer […] The same has been done in Fiji through the establishment of PNG-owned companies under joint-venture arrangements by major investors thus providing employment and business opportunities to the people of Fiji as well, » Mr. Parkop said. First Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, the father of the nation, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare also attended the celebrations held at the Port Moresby. [4]

Fifteen thousand solar home kits will be delivered and installed in West New Britain Province under a newly launched rural off-grid energy access program through the Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership. This project is part of Australia’s commitment to helping PNG meet its target of connecting 70% of the country to electricity by 2030. [5]

[1] https://postcourier.com.pg/pm-thanks-departing-french-ambassador/
[2] https://postcourier.com.pg/indonesia-responds/
[3] https://postcourier.com.pg/countries-ready-to-sign-proposed-land-border-transportation-deal/
[4] https://www.thenational.com.pg/parkop-thanks-fiji-for-promoting-trade-relations-with-png/
[5] https://emtv.com.pg/solar-kits-for-homes-in-west-new-britain/