Prime Minister Hon. James Marape today welcomed His Excellency Dr. José Ramos-Horta, President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, to Papua New Guinea for bilateral talks and the inaugural Melanesian Oceans Summit 2026.

President Ramos-Horta is visiting PNG from 10 to 13 May at the invitation of Prime Minister Marape. The visit will focus on strengthening bilateral ties be- tween Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea.

“The presence of President Ramos-Horta underscores the shared commitment of our nations to regional cooperation and ocean stewardship,” Prime Minister Marape said. “We welcome him warmly as we begin important discussions on our partnership and our common future in the Blue Pacific.”

Following bilateral meetings, President Ramos-Horta will attend the Melanesian Oceans Summit, which opens on Monday, 11 May 2026. The summit marks the first gathering of its kind and will bring together leaders and representatives from across the region to address ocean governance, climate resilience, and sustainable marine development.

Heads of state, ministers, and heads of mission from 13 countries are attending the summit. Confirmed participants include Fiji, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Tonga, Timor- Leste, the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Philippines, Palau, Nauru, Australia, New Zealand, and the Solomon Islands.

The summit will run through the week in Port Moresby.