Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, MP met with the Special Envoy for the Federated State of Micronesia President His Excellency Wesley Simina, Mr. Kandhi Elieisar on Tuesday, May 12 in Port Moresby.

The bilateral meeting was held on the margins of the Melanesian Ocean Summit Leaders Plenary.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Marape welcomed Special Envoy Kandhi to Papua New Guinea and commended the positive response to the invitation for the President of Federated State of Micronesia to participate in the Inaugural Melanesian Ocean Summit.

The Prime Minister reiterated that Papua New Guinea recognizes the importance of the Melanesian Ocean Summit which is vital for strengthening Pacific regionalism, focusing on ocean stewardship, sustainable fisheries, and climate resilience through Indigenous leadership and that the PNG Government has committed to hosting this Summit.

He noted that PNG established formal diplomatic relations with Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) on 21st September 1988 and that PNG and FSM enjoy cordial relations and have shared interest through membership of organizations at the sub-regional and regional level.

Prime Minister Marape added that these includes, among others, the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA), Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), and Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC).

The Prime Minister further added that at the wider international level, both countries share common interests through membership at the United Nations and the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States to name a few.

Prime Minister Marape also noted that there is relatively minimal bilateral engagement between the two countries largely for reasons of limited capacities and scope in areas such as trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.

He then informed Special Envoy Kandhi that PNG is keen to explore new areas of opportunities to further the scope of bilateral exchange and cooperation with FSM on:

–        Economic Investment

–        Fisheries

–        Health

–        Education; and

–        Energy

The Prime Minister encouraged technical and development cooperation in the above-mentioned areas of which will further enhance the bilateral relations rather than only utilizing the regional and international organizations, of which both are members.