Prime Minister Hon. James Marape MP has formally welcomed the first Turkish Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, H.E. Ms Bilgin Ozkan, during a courtesy call at Melanesian House in Port Moresby today, Tuesday, 21 April 2026.

The Prime Minister described the meeting as a historic milestone in bilateral relations, following Türkiye’s decision to establish its first embassy in Papua New Guinea.

He said Port Moresby will serve as Türkiye’s regional base for engagement with Pacific countries and welcomed plans to establish a permanent embassy office in the country.

Ambassador Ozkan, who arrived in PNG in March, held bilateral discussions with the Prime Minister on strengthening diplomatic, economic, and development cooperation.

Prime Minister Marape said PNG welcomes Türkiye’s presence and is commit- ted to supporting its diplomatic establishment, including facilitating land for an embassy site. He also noted PNG’s intention to establish a mission in Türkiye in the future.

He highlighted PNG’s commitment to peace, tolerance, and regional cooperation, and said the new diplomatic relationship would strengthen trade, investment, and people-to-people ties.

The Prime Minister also expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Türkiye in areas such as climate change, environmental protection, and sustain- able development.

Ambassador Ozkan said Türkiye selected PNG as its first diplomatic base in the Pacific due to its strategic location, leadership, and development potential.

She confirmed that Port Moresby will serve as a regional hub for Türkiye’s engagement in the Pacific.

Both sides agreed to explore further cooperation, including trade, investment, and possible visa facilitation arrangements to support closer engagement.

Diplomatic relations between Papua New Guinea and Türkiye were established in 1979, with Türkiye now officially opening its first resident embassy in Port Moresby.