Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has thanked the Government and people of France for their warm hospitality and enduring friendship with Papua New Guinea during a luncheon hosted in Paris with members of the French National Assembly and officials on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

Prior to the luncheon, Prime Minister Marape and the Papua New Guinea delegation were given a tour of the French National Assembly before witnessing the Assembly in session, where the Prime Minister received a standing ovation from French Members of Parliament.

Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea deeply appreciated France’s support and partnership over the last 50 years, particularly as PNG celebrates its 50th anniversary of Independence in 2026.

“Since the day we arrived, we have felt very much at home and very welcome,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“I want to sincerely thank the Government of France, the National Assembly, and all our French friends for the wonderful hospitality extended to my delegation and my family.”

Prime Minister Marape said PNG and France shared common values and responsibilities, especially in protecting the planet for future generations.

“We cannot change history, but we must live in the present and construct the future,” he said.

“As leaders of today, we have a responsibility to make sure we leave behind a livable planet for our children and grandchildren.

“Papua New Guinea and France share common interests in preserving our oceans, our forests, our biodiversity, and our collective planet.”

Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea was proud to contribute to the global environmental agenda through the protection of its vast rainforests and oceans.

“Six percent of the world’s biodiversity is found in Papua New Guinea,” he said.

“Our forests and oceans are among the world’s important carbon sinks that help clean the atmosphere for all humanity.

“These are not just Papua New Guinea’s resources — they are global assets that benefit the entire world.”

Prime Minister Marape thanked France for supporting ocean and forest preservation initiatives in Papua New Guinea and encouraged greater French investment into environmentally responsible projects in PNG.

“Your investors coming into Papua New Guinea can help us grow our economy while also helping us preserve our forests and oceans,” he said.

Prime Minister Marape also reflected personally on his own life journey from humble beginnings in rural Papua New Guinea to addressing leaders in one of the world’s great democracies.

“My father once told me stories as I was growing up in the remote parts of my country,” he said. “Fifty years ago, I spoke no English. Fifty years ago, I did not know France existed.

“But in one lifetime, I have come from absolute obscurity into a position where I can stand here today and share our nation’s story with you.”

Prime Minister Marape stressed that humanity must work together beyond political divisions and power rivalries to protect global peace and human dignity.

“COVID-19 reminded us that we all live on one shared planet,” he said.

“What happens in one part of the world can affect the entire planet.

“We are all part of one human family.

“If you cut my vein and cut another person’s vein, the blood is the same human blood.”

Prime Minister Marape urged France to continue using its voice and influence in global affairs to advocate for democracy, human rights, environmental protection, and fairness for smaller nations and the Global South.

“France is not just a middle power — France is a great power,” he said.

“The weight of your history, your democracy, your science, your education, and your commitment to human rights gives France an important place in shaping the future of humanity.”

Prime Minister Marape said while leaders may come and go, the shared values between Papua New Guinea and France must continue to endure.

“President Macron may come and go. Prime Minister Marape may come and go. But the common values of humanity must remain strong,” he said.

“We thank France for standing beside Papua New Guinea over the last 50 years, and we look forward to strengthening this partnership into the future.”