French President Emmanuel Macron

K344m package to preserve environment

The financial support is dedicated to preserving nature, forests, and mitigating climate impact.

Papua New Guinea, boasting the world's third-largest primary rainforest, holds 7 per cent of the planet's biodiversity.

This innovative 'country package' represents a groundbreaking financing mechanism arising from an international dialogue seeking to fortify North-South solidarity. Its objectives include:

“Conservation of rainforests creates employment”

President Macron highlighted the significance of preserving forests to foster job creation and recognise the efforts of those working tirelessly to combat deforestation while ensuring the sustainability of these natural resources.

He stressed the need to establish a value chain that supports and compensates individuals dedicated to preserving the rainforests.

Park visit signals commitment to rainforest protection

The call came during the momentous visit of French President, Emmanuel Macron to the Varirata National Park, located just outside Port Moresby city, on Friday, July 28, 2023.

President Macron's presence at the park reaffirmed Papua New Guinea's dedication to safeguarding its pristine forests and added confidence to the global mission of rainforest conservation.

PNG signs documents for finance, infrastructure growth

Pato meets President of France

Minister Pato was the special envoy of Prime Minister Peter O’Neill at a meeting of Pacific leaders with the President in Noumea.

President Macron led the discussion on a wide range of regional and global issues, including climate change and biodiversity.

Minister Pato told the French leader that the Pacific welcomed his statement in Sydney last week affirming the commitment of France to a rules-based international order.

Macron on track for French parliament landslide

As polls closed, projections showed La Republique en Marche (Republic on the Move) set to win more than 400 seats in the 577-seat National Assembly.

Mr Macron's party was established just over a year ago and many candidates have little or no political experience.

The second round of the vote is held next Sunday.

Forecasts by two polling organisations gave LREM well over 30 percent of first round votes.

But turnout was low, about 49 percent, which analysts said reflected a sense of resignation among Mr Macron's opponents.

Macron explains Trump handshake

"My handshake with him, it's not innocent," Macron told the Journal du Dimanche in an interview published Sunday. "It's not the alpha and the omega of politics, but a moment of truth."

The two newly-minted leaders met in Brussels on Thursday and shook hands in full view of the press.

Pool reporter Phillip Rucker of the Washington Post, who was in the room, described it: