Prime Minister James Marape

President Widodo departs

The bilateral meeting at the APEC House with Papua New Guinea government leaders led by Prime Minister James Marape had the two leaders discuss economic relations, shifting focus of formal talks from border issues to trade, business and people relations.

Prime Minister Marape announced that President Widodo has committed a K55 million grant for facilities at the Port Moresby General Hospital, the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the mortuary. 

The Indonesian delegation and President Widodo including PNG government leaders have vacated APEC house for their departure. 

A final accolade for Sir Kostas

Representing the length and breadth of Papua New Guinea, Prime Minister Marape offered final respects and condolences to the family and friends of Late Sir Kostas Constantinou, who called PNG home.

During his funeral service at the Twelve Apostles Catholic Church in Brisbane last Friday, June 30, 2023 PM Marape delivered a heartfelt eulogy, reflecting the sentiments shared by the nation.

He described Sir Kostas as a humble and well-respected man who believed in greater things for PNG, his business, and family.

PANGU endorses Semoso for North Bougainville

Marape said in recognizing the need to elevate more women to the National Parliament, Ms Semoso has stood out in North Bougainville as a strong candidate hence her selection by the party.

“In recognition of the need to elevate more women to the National Parliament, Ms Semoso has stood out in North Bougainville hence her selection,” said Marape.

“Ms Semoso has shown strong leadership in Bougainville where she is active among the community. For Bougainville, we are well aware of the role women play in traditional and contemporary cultures and Ms Semoso’s involvement.

Deloitte Payroll Audit Report presented to SPC

It is mandated in the Public Sector to provide Parliamentary oversight into good governance, discipline, ill governance and enforce oversight of basic good management.

As a Parliamentary Committee, part of its mandate is to hold the Executive Arm of Government accountable to Parliament for its management of the Public Sector.

EHP leadership commended

PM Marape expressed his appreciation for Governor Sia's remarkable achievements at during the launch of the Lufa District Five-Year Development Plan 2023-2027 at rural Lufa Station, on Tuesday, June 20, 2023.

Among his notable accomplishments is the successful consolidation of all Eastern Highlands MPs, which had never been accomplished before, in a collaborative effort for the betterment of the province.

Eastern Highlands MPs now convene regular meetings to address significant challenges facing the province, overcoming political differences that once hindered progress.

No state guarantee yet for Ramu 2

An expansion of 194% in scheme’s generation capacity.

However, at present, a state guarantee is yet to be signed. Member for Kainantu, William Hagahuno, brought up this matter.

In response, Prime Minister James Marape said, “It’s a no brainer we support this project, but the project economics and the numbers must take up. We don’t want to have a state guarantee, sovereign guarantee that is burdensome on PNG Power, burdensome on our national government…”

PNG still subscribes to Rarotonga Treaty: Marape

When posed questions regarding Japan’s dumping of nuclear waste water by Vanimo Green MP Belden Namah, the Prime Minister assured that the government of PNG does not want nuclear discharge in its waters.

“My statement was misplaced in a sense that there’s no unilateral clearance for them (Japan) to discharge any nuclear waste but it was stated that the test done, if it proved that it is compliant with the highest test ever and the discharge is clean and safe for discharge then they can discharge into the water.”

Prime Minister presents treaty for ratification

Since it opened for signature on 24th of September 1996, Papua New Guinea was amongst the first states to sign the comprehensive test ban treaty, but remains to date one of the only 10 states that have yet to ratify it.

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is a multilateral treaty opened for signature in 1996 by which states agree to ban all nuclear explosions in all environments, for military or civilian purposes.

“Within the region, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Island and Tonga are the only Pacific Island Forum nations yet to ratify the treaty,” said PM Marape.

Marape files official complaint

In response to the widely circulated allegations made by self-proclaimed 'Think Tank', Samson Komati on social media, PM Marape stated, "I will be filing a complaint with the Police to initiate an inquiry into the serious allegations he has made against the Police and the Government."

Marape further questioned Komati's credentials as a 'Think Tank' by asking if he had reviewed the 15-volume Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS) Commission of Inquiry (COI) report, which was presented to him by Chief Commissioner Sir Salamo Injia on April 5, 2022.

Marape invites France President to visit PNG

The invitation was extended during a meeting between PM Marape and Walid Fouque, Special Advisor for Asia and the Pacific to President Macron, held in Port Moresby on Monday.

Marape and President Macron previously met in Gabon, Central Africa, in March of this year on the sidelines of the One Forest Summit.

While discussing the potential visit, PM Marape stated: "There is a possibility that President Macron may visit PNG, however, this is subject to continued dialogue between France and PNG," expressing optimism about the potential visit.