Photo Credit: Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council
Hon. Yoshihide Suga, Japan's Prime Minister, has stated that his country will support Papua New Guinea's electricity initiative, supply road building equipment, and assist with a 30-billion-yen (K1 billion) emergency loan.
During a virtual online bilateral summit between the two leaders, he offered this promise.
“As part of our cooperation, we will move forward with the electrification progression,” PM Suga said.
“The Japanese Government has also decided on the provision of construction equipment for road maintenance and improvement.
“I hope that our emergency support loan (signed for in March 2021) will contribute to economic recovery in Papua New Guinea.”
PM Suga also requested PNG's assistance in the operation of Japanese fishing vessels, the recovery of the remains of Japanese troops slain in WWII, and Japanese companies' participation in the Papua LNG project.
PM Marape praised Prime Minister Suga, the Japanese people and government, and Emperor Akihito for "continuing to guarantee that PNG remains a lasting ally of Japan."
“We’re blessed abundantly with the good relationship we have with the people of Japan and the Government of Japan thus far,” he said.
“Lately, in our COVID-19 induced hard times, Japanese Government and people have stepped in.
“Let me make special mention of Foreign Minister Motegi, who visited us last year.
“He was the first foreign affairs minister or leader to visit Papua New Guinea during COVID-19.
“On the back of that visit, your Government, your people, gave us over K1 billion worth of direct support to our Budget.
“That was able to keep us going during this tough time, and I very much appreciate this on behalf of the people of Papua New Guinea.”
PM Marape also thanked Japan for assisting PNG with COVID-19.
He stated that PNG's second-largest airport, at Nadzab, Morobe, will be renamed "PNG-Japan Friendship Airport," thanks to funding from the Japanese government.
PM Marape expressed gratitude to Japan for supporting the power system from Yonki in the Eastern Highlands to Lae, as well as additional help in areas like education.
“Let me thank you (Japan) for all your interventions,” he said.
PM Marape announced he will attend the Japan-Pacific islands Leaders’ Meeting (PALM).
He also promised Japan that PNG will help it in issues with North Korea and other international concerns, as well as in the recovery of WWII troops' remains.
PM Suga stated that Japan will host the Olympic and Paralympic Games next month, and that he is looking forward to PNG's participation.
PM Marape said Japan was a key partner for PNG, importing LNG, tuna, agricultural goods, wood, and other items, and that the country "looked forward to a continuing cordial partnership with Japan going ahead into the future."
Reference:
Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council (29 June 2021). “Japanese Prime Minister assures PNG of continued support”.
