Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has emphasized his intention to engage in discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Hon. Fumio Kishida regarding the Papua LNG project.
During a recent presentation on April 30th, Prime Minister Marape expressed his desire to formally extend invitations to Japanese contractors for bidding on the construction of the project.
The announcement came as PM Marape accepted an invitation to attend the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 10), scheduled to be held in Tokyo from July 16th to 18th, 2024, alongside Prime Minister Kishida.
During a small ceremony, Special Advisor to the Japanese Prime Minister, Mr. Hitotaka Ishihara, hand-delivered the official invitation to Prime Minister Marape.
Top on their agenda in the discussion between PM Marape and Mr Ishihara was the mutual desire for both leaders to hold a bilateral meeting on the margins of PALM 10.
PM Marape also expressed appreciation for Japan’s ongoing support and assistance to PNG's development efforts.
Since 1997, Japan has been hosting PALM meetings every three years, providing a platform for leaders from Pacific Island countries and regions to exchange views on regional issues.
This year's meeting will focus on strengthening cooperative relationships and addressing common challenges, including those related to small size, land distribution, distance from major markets, and vulnerability to natural disasters and climate change.
PM Marape has accepted the invitation and looks forward to meeting Prime Minister Kishida, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to further strengthen ties between Japan and Pacific Island countries.
Representatives from the 18 Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) members, including PNG, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Australia, and New Zealand, will be in attendance.
