Justin Tkatchenko

In a statement released by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Justin Tkatchenko emphasized the deep-rooted cultural bonds and traditions shared between the two nations over the past 48 years.

He commended New Zealand's ongoing support across various sectors, including agriculture, rural electrification, trade, development, and educational initiatives such as scholarships and Foreign Service training.

In a press release issued by PNG's Foreign Affairs Minister, Justin Tkatchenko, it was highlighted that both nations are poised to accelerate the signing of crucial agreements aimed at bolstering cooperation.

Solomon Islands High Commissioner William Soaki, during his official visit, extended congratulations to Minister Tkatchenko and expressed eagerness to continue the positive trajectory of bilateral relations.

They were praised for reasoning out and allowing the dialogue process for a peaceful ending to clashes at the Gorobe-Talai settlements in the Moresby South electorate.

"The incident was uncalled for, has affected the daily lives of other ethnic communities, innocent Moresby South residents and extended families of those involved," Minister Tkatchenko said.

This action makes Papua New Guinea an official party to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty; a key United Nations convention.

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty was presented and concluded on June 15, 2023, in the National Parliament, and this instrument signifies that the Government of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea has considered and approved this key UN Convention, ratified and officially undertaken to perform and carry out the stipulations - conditions and requirements, contained in the treaty.

Minister Tkatchenko’s statement follows recent concerns about a ‘Security Deal’ supposedly struck between China and Papua New Guinea.

Tkatchenko stressed that China remains one of Papua New Guinea’s biggest economic and trade partner and that Papua New Guinea will continue to work in partnership with China in that space.

Minister Tkatchenko maintains that Papua New Guinea has always respected the ‘One China Policy’ since 1975, and will continue to do so. 

"We have a long-standing and genuine relationship with China, where we can agree to disagree." 

He said the downgrade in the human trafficking watch list produced by the United States (U.S.) is of circumstantial evidence and unproven.

National Government concerns were also expressed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Elias Wohengu, with US Charge D'Affaires Matthew Bunt in a 'please explain' meeting of parties.

Minister Tkatchenko noted that the report's conclusion that PNG's status has been downgraded from Tier 2 Trafficking In Persons (TIP) to Tier 3 in accordance with US Government standards, was a lack of good faith on its part as a key bilateral partner.

Minister Tkatchenko who was reinstated last Friday, while thanking the Prime Minister and Government for the confidence of reappointment, outlined a priority list for the department - an immediate work plan of the Marape-Rosso Government following the events of Wednesday, January 10.

Minister Tkatchenko said it is paramount and is an immediate priority for Foreign Affairs, to regain the confidence of the international community and organisations here and abroad.

This meeting signified Minister Tkatchenko’s commencement of his mission back at the Department of Foreign Affairs, to instill and regain the confidence of the international community.

Tkatchenko's reinstatement has come with the huge task of regaining the confidence of the international community in the country together with the country’s bilateral and multilateral partners abroad.

Prime Minister Marape says Tkatchenko has been instrumental in strengthening ties with the United States, Australia, India, China, and France among other significant international partners. PM Marape expressed faith in Tkatchenko, expressing that he is a set of “steady helping hands.”

NCD Governor and leader of the Social Democratic Party, the party that Tkatchenko is part of, thanked the Prime Minister for the reinstatement.

Minister of State Assisting the Prime Minister, Justin Tkatchenko signed the agreement with Enrique A. Manalo, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Philippines on Policy Consultation recently.

The MoU will set a more structured approach to discuss issues of interests in the area of trade and investment, climate change, health, education, etc.

Minister Tkatchenko acknowledged Manalo and his delegation for availing time amidst their busy APEC schedule to sign the MoU.