Prime Minister Hon. James Marape on Friday (05.09.25) met United Kingdom’s Minister for Indo-Pacific Region, Hon. Catherine West, in a courtesy call paid on the Prime Minister at his office, Melanesian House at Waigani.
Among the matters discussed was the visit by the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, to Papua New Guinea for the county’s 50th Independence anniversary where he will officiate the formal handover of the King’s colours and regimental colours to the PNG Defence Force. He will also preside over the opening of the Court complex.
While in Port Moresby, the Minister is signing two Memoranda of Understanding (MOU). They include a MOU on Development Cooperation and a Shiprider Agreement.
Prime Minister Marape thanked Minister West for her visit to Papua New Guinea while highlighting the long-standing relations between PNG and the United Kingdom.
“Papua New Guinea always values its relations with the United Kingdom, and we thank the UK government for elevating this relationship through these latest MOUs, as well as the recently-signed Status of Force Agreement (SOFA),” said Prime Minister Marape.
“Our ties keep on getting stronger as seen in the participation of the UK Defence personnel in the Military Week, the program that is part of our 50th Independence anniversary celebration. This also signifies a stronger working relationship between our two defence forces which paves the way for future co- operation in the security space.”
The Prime Minister also noted Minister West’s participation in organized event in Port Moresby associated with UK-funded programs in the areas of Climate change, nature, clean energy and forests.
“Papua New Guinea is similarly focused on Climate Change, Climate Action and Mitigation, as we host the third largest tropical rainforest in the world and up to 7 percent of the world’s biodiversity. PNG remains steadfast and is committed to fight for Climate Justice and financing as mitigation strategy for building resilience among our local communities,” he said.
The Prime Minister requested that the Minister advocate to her government for more support on the international and multilateral fora for stronger partnerships with Papua New Guinea and her sister countries, the Small Island States, of the Pacific on Climate matters.
He concluded their meeting by reaffirming PNG’s commitment to embrace and continue fostering good bilateral relations with the United Kingdom going into the next 50 years of PNG’s life as a sovereign nation.