Prime Minister James Marape

The agreement will be finalized following a one-on-one bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Parliament House in Canberra on Thursday, December 7, 2023.

This landmark agreement, among others, encompasses Australian Federal Police support for the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, reinforcing mutual security interests in the region.

Prime Minister Marape emphasised the strategic importance of this security arrangement for both Papua New Guinea and Australia.

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:

Member for Chuave, James Nomane, asked for clarification today during the 2^nd Parliament sitting.

“Recently, we have seen on a few of the International trips with the Prime Minister, that we have had the Minister assisting the Prime Minister representing the Independent State of PNG on these trips engaging with foreign entities like China and the United States of America.

Prime Minister Marape acknowledged that the Central Bank does operate at arms-length from the Government, and the government can only make recommendations to the Central Bank, even though it cannot direct their decisions.

Marape says, “Central Bank operates at arm’s length from us. We don’t direct them but we recommend. In this issue of canceling use of cheques. I concur with the public concern raised.

In a press conference, he highlighted the successful hosting of the event and discussed crucial bilateral meetings held during his visit.

Marape revealed that before his departure, he engaged in significant bilateral discussions with the President of Palau and Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare. These discussions focused on reinforcing mutual support and cooperation between the nations.

He drew to a close his meetings with members of the American business community on Thursday.

Nathan, who was appointed by President Joe Biden himself to the role and confirmed in 2022 to head the American federal government agency, laid out the availability of DFC in financing businesses and developers of the Private Sector in countries interested in bettering themselves and their communities.

Before departure, PM Marape said he will continue to drive the climate change effect in the Pacific island nations during the APEC Summit.

Marape was farewelled by Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso and other Government Ministers and leaders this afternoon at the APEC terminal.

Human-caused climate change is severely affecting the Pacific, from more intense tropical cyclones to changing floods and droughts.

The sea level is rising, the ocean is acidifying, and the water's surface temperature is increasing.

Marape emphasized that PNG's participation in this global event will have a significant impact, leading to diversification in the export market and an inflow of capital.

"This presents a remarkable opportunity for us to promote our nation as a prime tourism and investment destination.

“It will also enable us to showcase the high-quality products that we are ready to export to the world, including our renowned coffee, cocoa, vanilla, kava, taro, marine products, unique items from our fashion industry, and many more.”

During the joint press conference on 6 November 2023 Chief Development Officer of Newmont, Peter Toth and Prime Minister James Marape welcomed the company.

PM Marape shared the significance of this corporate transaction as Newmont assumes control of all Newcrest operations in Papua New Guinea including the Lihir mine in New Ireland and the Wafi-Golpu project in Morobe.

"It adds value to Papua New Guinea's global branding as an investment destination. What this country effectively has now is the world's number one gold company”, said Marape.

He said the election of Ms Semoso as North Bougainville MP is a resounding testament to PANGU’s commitment to promoting women's leadership in Papua New Guinea.

Her victory came having secured an impressive 13,270 votes, surpassing her 16 competitors.

This historic win further bolsters PANGU Pati's representation, increasing the party's count to 54 MPs following their triumph with 39 seats in the 2022 National General Election.

 “I congratulate Ms Semoso on behalf of the people of Papua New Guinea, PANGU Pati, and my family. I also thank all other candidates.