Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has returned to Papua New Guinea after attending the 46th Independence Anniversary celebrations of the Republic of Vanuatu as a special guest, reaffirming the enduring friendship between the two Melanesian nations and outlining a shared vision for deeper economic, diplomatic and people-to-people cooperation.
Prime Minister Marape expressed his sincere appreciation to Prime Minister Jotham Napat, the Government and people of Vanuatu for the invitation and warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation.
“I sincerely thank Prime Minister Jotham Napat, the Government and people of Vanuatu for inviting me to be part of this important national celebration. Papua New Guinea values its longstanding friendship with Vanuatu, a relationship forged through our shared Melanesian heritage and strengthened over decades of mutual respect and cooperation,” Prime Minister Marape said.
The Prime Minister reflected on the close historical ties between the two countries, recalling Papua New Guinea’s support for Vanuatu following its independence in 1980.
“Under the leadership of the late Grand Chief Sir Julius Chan, Papua New Guinea answered Vanuatu’s call for assistance during the Santo Rebellion. The Papua New Guinea Defence Force was deployed to help restore stability and preserve the unity of the newly independent nation. That decisive act of Melanesian solidarity forged a special bond between our two countries that endures to this day.”
Prime Minister Marape said his discussions with Prime Minister Napat focused on building a stronger partnership that would benefit both countries well into the future.
“We agreed that our relationship must now move beyond history and sentiment into greater economic cooperation. We want stronger partnerships in trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, mining, livestock, education, healthcare and broader people-to-people engagement.”
He said both leaders agreed to make it easier for citizens and businesses from both countries to interact, invest and travel.
“As fellow Melanesian nations, we want our people to enjoy greater ease of travel and access between our countries. Our businesses should also be encouraged to explore opportunities that create jobs and prosperity for both nations.”
Prime Minister Marape announced that Papua New Guinea would soon dispatch a business delegation comprising representatives of major Papua New Guinean institutions, including superannuation funds and the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC), to explore investment opportunities in Vanuatu.
“We believe there is enormous potential for Papua New Guinean businesses to partner with Vanuatu. However, wherever our businesses operate, they must respect local landowners, local communities and the national government, just as we expect foreign investors in Papua New Guinea to respect our own model of local participation.”
He said Papua New Guinea had encouraged Vanuatu to pursue similar investment principles that ensure local communities share in the benefits of economic development.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the potential for closer regional tourism cooperation, noting Vanuatu’s strategic location and attractive investment environment.
“Vanuatu has one of the Pacific’s most attractive investment climates and enormous tourism potential. Papua New Guinea’s expanding international air services from destinations such as Japan, China and Singapore can complement regional tourism by connecting visitors throughout Melanesia, including Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Likewise, visitors arriving through Fiji, Australia, New Zealand and the United States can be encouraged to explore more of our Melanesian region.”
Prime Minister Marape welcomed Vanuatu’s allocation of a 4,000-square-metre prime site in Port Vila for Papua New Guinea’s future High Commission and donation of K4 million to start construction of the office.
“I sincerely thank the Government of Vanuatu for this generous gesture. Papua New Guinea intends to construct a modern three-storey chancery on this site as soon as practicable. We will also reciprocate by providing land in Port Moresby for Vanuatu’s High Commission. These will stand as lasting symbols of the friendship between our two countries.”
Looking ahead to Vanuatu’s 50th Independence Anniversary in 2030, Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s commitment to supporting Vanuatu’s preparations, including continued investment over the next four national budgets towards the Kumul Highway and other priority areas identified by the Vanuatu Government.
“We want to stand alongside Vanuatu as it prepares for this important milestone. Our partnership is one of mutual growth and shared prosperity.”
During the visit, Prime Minister Marape also met President José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste, who extended an invitation for him to attend Timor-Leste’s Independence celebrations later this year.
“I was honoured to accept President Ramos-Horta’s invitation. Timor-Leste shares strong historical and cultural ties with Melanesia, and Papua New Guinea looks forward to strengthening our diplomatic, economic and people-to-people relations with Timor-Leste.”
Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea remained committed to strengthening regional cooperation across Melanesia and the wider Pacific.
“Our future lies in stronger partnerships among our neighbouring countries. As governments deepen diplomatic ties, our businesses, institutions and people must also build lasting relationships that create opportunities, prosperity and shared growth for future generations.”