Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste have agreed to establish reciprocal embassies following bilateral talks between Prime Minister Hon. James Marape and Timor-Leste President His Excellency Dr. José Ramos-Horta at Melanesian Haus today (11.05.26).
The meeting, held on the sidelines of the inaugural Melanesian Oceans Summit, focused on deepening trade, diplomatic ties, and people-to-people exchanges between the two oil and gas-producing nations.
Prime Minister Marape welcomed Dr. Ramos-Horta, describing him as “a global statesman” and Nobel Peace Prize laureate whose advocacy for small island and emerging nations resonates on issues of peacebuilding, climate change, and sustainable development.
“Mr. President, we welcome you to our country,” Prime Minister Marape said. “We are not living in isolation. We relate to nations, and we share better together. Today, Timor-Leste is on its way to relating to us further, apart from our shared presence in regional and global groupings.”
Both leaders discussed shared regional positioning, noting that PNG and Timor-Leste sit between Australia, ASEAN, and Pacific Island nations. President Ramos-Horta pledged Timor-Leste’s support for PNG’s bid to become a full member of ASEAN, while PM Marape committed to lobbying ASEAN member states “at the earliest, according to the processes that ASEAN nations are subscribed to.”
“His Excellency Ramos-Horta has indicated his nation’s interest to open an embassy here, and I am also interested in opening an embassy there,” PM Marape told a press conference after the meeting. He said the two governments would pursue reciprocal diplomatic missions to enhance trade and cultural ties.
The leaders also highlighted similarities between the two countries, including oil and gas resources, flag features, and populations with shared cultural affinities.
Prime Minister Marape said PNG and Timor-Leste are “stronger together than in isolation” and must collaborate to amplify Pacific voices on ocean preservation and resource rights.
“As small economies and island nations, our voice on the global stage is equivalent to those with economic might when we stand together,” PM Marape said. “Together, we mobilize. Together, we want to rally the voices of the Pacific—not just for ocean preservation, but to ensure our inherent rights in our oceans are preserved for our children.”
President Ramos-Horta will also participate in the Melanesian Oceans Summit, which began today in Port Moresby.
Dr. Ramos-Horta, serving his second term as president of Timor-Leste, is the1996 Nobel Peace Prize laureate for his pivotal role in his country’s struggle for independence, and is celebrated for leading non-violent, diplomatic efforts for independence.
Prime Minister Marape said he would reciprocate with a visit to Timor-Leste at another date.
The Prime Minister concluded by reaffirming PNG’s commitment to working closely with Timor-Leste and regional partners to promote peace, stability, and prosperity.