United States of America (USA)

Tkatchenko slams report on human trafficking

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.

Marape commends USA, China on climate change response

Marape commended US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping most prominent leaders of APEC for their firm commitment to migrate from heavy fossil fuel to clean green energy and net zero emissions by 2050.

“I commend President Biden and President Xi for this remarkable step they have taken. They have made a firm commitment to migrate from heavy fossil fuel to clean green energy and a net zero emission by 2050. This is a big commitment, especially for their countries, which depend heavily on the use of fossil fuels.

MPs attend Open World Program in USA

The MPs are, Nipa Kutubu MP Dr Billy Joseph, Menyamya MP Solen Loifa, Huon Gulf MP Jason Peter and Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Markham MP Koni Iguan.

The Open World Program is the only U.S. government exchange program in the legislative branch of government, administered through the Congressional Office for International Leadership, and funded by the U.S. Congress.

PNG needs to strengthen US relations: Treasurer

He made this statement after he and Prime Minister James Marape met with US President, Joe Biden today at the White House in Washington, DC.

“The United States economy is the largest in the world, valued at $US26,854 billion (K97,650bn) in 2023, according to the latest IMF figures.

“This is still nearly 40 percent larger than the second largest economy of China, of $ US19,373 billion (K70, 447bn).

U.S - PNG Bilateral Defence Dialogue

The dialogue, held at Murray Barracks, is an opportunity for both the United States and PNG to jointly plan activities for the upcoming year.

PNGDF Acting Chief of Defence Force Commodore Philip Polewara and Deputy Secretary for Defence Simon Tunapai hosted U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Thomas James, Mobilization Assistant to USINDOPACOM's Director of Strategic Planning and Policy along with U.S. military and defense civilians.   

The discussion centered on:

U.S - PNG conclude historic patrol

Building on the recently ratified bilateral agreement to counter illicit transnational maritime activities, the U.S. Coast Guard joined hands with PNG agencies – the Defence Force, Customs Services, National Fisheries Authority, and the Department of Transport's Maritime Security Division – to make this historic operation a reality.

Ship riders from PNG agencies spent a cumulative 10 days countering illegal maritime activity, including illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

Notable achievements of the patrol include:

U.S congress reps visit Port Moresby

They also toured some of the many important sites in and around Port Moresby.

The delegation visited the St. Therese clinic at Hohola. For about 20 years, the clinic that was established in 1940 has been supported by the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Dr Neal Dunn, a former army doctor, passionate about medical diplomacy highlighted the significance of the investments made by the U.S. government.

Marines and sailors foster PNG-US collaboration

In a demonstration of their commitment to the partnership, the U.S. Marines have embarked on a unique project, collaborating with their Papua New Guinean counterparts to construct a new church at the Air Transport Wing.

The joint efforts between the United States and Papua New Guinea extend beyond the construction project. Over the next few weeks, the U.S. Marines will also commence work on refurbishing a range, with the aim of improving training capabilities for the Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF).

Harvard Scientist collect Meteor Fragments from Manus Island

Key points:

  • Analysis of the fragments is hoped to reveal whether the meteor was made up of elements different from those found in our solar system
  • Professor Loeb says the fragments may be the first sign of civilisation beyond our solar system
  • The meteor was detected by US ballistic missile systems in 2014

The team set out on a research boat called Silver Star in late June.

Using a magnetic sled, they excavated debris from the ocean floor where the meteor hit.

Positive outcomes from US-PNG DCA

Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation, Walter Schnaubelt made this clarifications in support of the DCA.

The Minister in a statement said the Department of Transport, NAC, NSPL and CASA PNG did provide their advice in their capacity as members of the negotiating team as it relates to their respective responsibilities in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Maritime Organizations (IMO)’s when delivering certain requirements under the US-PNG DCA.