Prime Minister, James Marape has expressed Papua New Guinea’s sincere gratitude to French President Emmanuel Macron for the warm hospitality, friendship, and strong support extended to Papua New Guinea during his historic official visit to France.
Prime Minister Marape said in a statement President Macron had accorded Papua New Guinea one of the highest honors possible through an official state welcome, bilateral meeting, and state banquet hosted in Paris.
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“We sincerely thank President Macron for his kindness, warmth, friendship, and the generous time he has given to Papua New Guinea during this historic visit,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“The official state welcome, state dinner, and bilateral discussions demonstrate the importance France places on its relationship with Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region.”
Prime Minister Marape described President Macron as one of the world’s most recognizable and influential leaders, noting France’s global standing as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and one of Europe’s largest economies.
“President Macron is serving his second term and holds senior standing not only in Europe but globally,” he said.
“France is a major world power, a permanent member of the Security Council, and the second-largest economy in Europe.
“For Papua New Guinea to enjoy such warm and cordial relations with France is both historic and significant.”
Prime Minister Marape said the relationship between Papua New Guinea and France had now been elevated to a new level through discussions held during the visit.
He thanked President Macron for France’s continued support towards Papua New Guinea’s ocean and forest conservation programmes, climate initiatives, and sustainable development efforts.
“We appreciate France’s ongoing support for conservation of our oceans and forests, which are globally significant and important to the future of our planet,” Prime Minister Marape said.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged France’s support for the redevelopment of Rabaul Port, describing the project as critical to economic growth and regional connectivity in East New Britain and Papua New Guinea.
He further welcomed growing French interest in Papua New Guinea’s mining, energy, and export sectors.
“We appreciate President Macron’s interest in Papua New Guinea’s mining sector and in seeing more partnerships develop between our two countries,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“We also discussed opportunities for Papua New Guinea’s export commodities to access French and wider European Union markets.”
Prime Minister Marape said discussions also covered education, defense cooperation, tourism, cultural exchange, and easier access arrangements between Papua New Guinea, France, and the European Union.
“We discussed opportunities for more Papua New Guinean students to study in France, greater cultural exchange, defense cooperation, and ways to improve access between our countries,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape described the standing ovation he received at the French National Assembly on Wednesday as a deeply moving and historic moment for Papua New Guinea.
“To receive a standing ovation in the French National Assembly was truly historic and a proud moment for Papua New Guinea,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea would reciprocate France’s friendship by strengthening trade and diplomatic engagement, including plans to establish a Papua New Guinea embassy in France.
“We look forward to ensuring that more tangible outcomes emerge from this growing relationship between Papua New Guinea and France,” he said.
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“On behalf of the Government and people of Papua New Guinea, I sincerely thank President Macron and the people of France for their warmth, friendship, and partnership.”