Prime Minister James Marape yesterday announced that Papua New Guinea will host 2033 APEC Leaders’ Summit in the country, following its first hosting in 2018.
The legacies of 2018 APEC Leaders’ Summit remain relevant and beneficial to the country despite the Maserati controversy.
He made this announcement at Melanesian House following his returns from Dubai, UAE.
PM Marape said: “I did indicate to them (UAE) our country’s hosting of APEC in 2033.”
Mr. Marape outlined the overall vision of the APEC 2033 to focus on trade, people-to-people engagement, and business-to-business.
APEC 2033 specifically is to develop the Port Moresby International Airport and other ports in the country to enhance trade, business, investment and economic growth.
Prime Minister Marape said UAE, as a government, has shown interest in partnering with PNG, and also some of the state and enterprises have given an indication to also partner with us in those programs to develop, especially Port Moresby-Jackson Airport and Port Moresby Port, as our major trading port going forward into the future.
“One thing that UAE is predominantly well-balanced, similar to our own approach in PNG, is our ability to be friends to all and enemies to none in the midst of the hotly contested geopolitical space,” he said.
“I think we have similarities in this space. This partnership will certainly be beneficial to the link we are establishing with UAE.”
“I look forward to that aspect of our foreign relations being opened up, “Marape stated.
Meanwhile, he said there is now visa on arrival facility between the countries.
“My next trip back to them, or appropriate ministers going back to them, would be to consolidate on the air service agreement.”