Prime Minister Hon. James Marape arrived in Paris, France, today for his official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Papua New Guinea and France, while promoting trade, investment, climate cooperation, energy partnerships, and economic opportunities for Papua New Guinea.
Prime Minister Marape and his delegation arrived at Paris-Charles de Gaulle International Airport this morning aboard an Air France flight following transit through Singapore.
He was received on arrival by Papua New Guinea Ambassador to France (resident in Belgium, His Excellency Joseph Varo, Papua New Guinea High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Her Excellency Betty Palaso, French officials, and French Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Pierre Fournier.
Prime Minister Marape said the visit marked an important milestone in Papua New Guinea’s growing engagement with France and Europe during the nation’s 50th anniversary year of Independence.
“This visit is significant for Papua New Guinea as we continue to build stronger international partnerships with major global economies such as France,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“France is a global leader in business, energy, climate action, infrastructure, defence, technology, and innovation. Papua New Guinea looks forward to strengthening cooperation in these important sectors for the benefit of our people.
“As we celebrate 50 years of Independence, Papua New Guinea is positioning itself as a serious investment destination and strategic partner in the Pacific region.”
Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea offered enormous opportunities in energy, mining, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, infrastructure, forestry, blue economy development, and carbon markets.
“We are inviting French businesses and investors to partner with Papua New Guinea as we continue our journey of economic transformation and nation-building,” he said.
During the visit, Prime Minister Marape is scheduled to address MEDEF International, the French business council, where he will meet representatives of major French companies and investors.
The Prime Minister will also hold meetings with the French Development Agency (AFD), TotalEnergies, members of the French National Assembly, and attend official engagements hosted by French leaders and institutions.
A highlight of the visit will be Prime Minister Marape’s official dinner meeting with President of France, His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, at the Elysee Palace on Wednesday evening.
Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea and France shared common interests in climate resilience, biodiversity protection, ocean management, sustainable development, and regional stability in the Pacific.
“Papua New Guinea possesses one of the world’s largest tropical rainforests and one of the richest marine environments on Earth. Our forests and oceans are globally important carbon sinks and biodiversity reserves.
“We want to work with partners like France to protect these resources while creating sustainable economic opportunities for our people.”
Prime Minister Marape is expected to return to Papua New Guinea on Sunday, 24 May 2026.