Prime Minister James Marape

Prime Minister Marape in his New Year address to the nation acknowledged the inflation levels and the hardships Papua New Guineans are going through. He committed to getting this taskforce to work as soon as possible.

The Prime Minister’s New Year message focused on certain measures the government is taking to ease the burden on daily living and seek ways to fix the country.

He attested that the cost of living has risen given the high inflation rates, further leading to a rise in the price of goods and services. He also acknowledged the dwindling purchasing power of Kina.

Prime Minister James Marape expressed gratitude to RAA for its valuable services and extended appreciation to all third-level airlines for their continuous dedication to the country over the last 48 years. He assured ongoing government support to enhance and strengthen the vital role played by RAA and third-level airlines in connecting the outlying areas of the country.

“Both side of the Parliament House and the Speaker have agreed that on the 8th of February next year I will be addressing the Australian Parliament.

“This is the first time ever a Pacific Island leader is given that opportunity to address Australian Parliament.

“We have set history and I think it just reflects the mindset that is changing in Canberra now.

“I was happy when the Prime Minister proved himself initially when he addressed the media, he used a line called Papua New Guinea and Australia are called leaders to lead in the Pacific island nations.

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.