In a historic bilateral meeting reaffirming France’s growing relationship with Papua New Guinea, President of the Government of New Caledonia, Alcide Ponga, has met with Prime Minister Hon. James Marape.

The bilateral meeting, which took place this morning at the Prime Minister’s Office at Melanesian House, Waigani, reaffirms the bilateral cooperation between Papua New Guinea and the French territory, and France.

Prime Minister Marape used the opportunity to highlight the expanding relationship with France through President Emmanuel Macron over the last six years since PM Marape took office.

Marking this growth in ties, the Prime Minister announced this morning his intention to open a PNG diplomatic mission in Paris within the next year.

He acknowledged the relations Papua New Guineans have with New Caledonians as Melanesians, and highlighted New Caledonia’s higher standard of living as a territory of France.

The Prime Minister offered PNG’s support to New Caledonia, and in turn, asked for the territory’s assistance in the areas it is strong in, such as solar energy development, and sports training for PNG athletes.

President Ponga offered New Caledonia’s support, highlighting that his government wishes to target specific areas of development and embark on joint projects and programs.

President Ponga and his team are in the country as part of the development support efforts between the two governments, and will be visiting various offices and ministries. This is his first visit to PNG.

A joint cooperation plan between PNG and New Caledonia will be signed by the President and the Prime Minister before President Ponga departs PNG later this week.