Prime Minister, James Marape this week held productive bilateral discussions with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, His Excellency Fatafehi Fakafānua, focused on strengthening Pacific solidarity, regional cooperation, economic partnership, healthcare collaboration, aviation connectivity, security cooperation, and sustainable development initiatives.
The meeting was held on the margins of the inaugural Melanesian Ocean Summit 2026 currently underway in Port Moresby and reaffirmed the strong historical, cultural, Christian, and people-to-people ties shared between Papua New Guinea and Tonga.
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Prime Minister Marape in a statement welcomed the Tongan delegation and thanked them for participating in regional engagements aimed at advancing Pacific interests and cooperation.
“Pacific nations may be small in population, but we carry a powerful collective voice. We must continue standing together on the global stage to protect our oceans, our people, our economies, and our future,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of Pacific unity and collective regional advocacy on issues including:
• Climate Change;
• Rising Sea Levels;
• Disaster Resilience;
• Marine Conservation;
• Geopolitical Stability;
• and Sustainable Development.
The meeting also reaffirmed the shared Christian values that continue to shape leadership, governance, and community life throughout the Pacific region.
Economic cooperation featured prominently in discussions, with both sides exploring opportunities to expand cooperation in:
• Trade;
• Investment;
• Agriculture;
• Fisheries;
• Labour Mobility;
• Information Technology;
• Banking;
• and Private Sector Partnerships.
The Tongan delegation acknowledged the growing role of PNG-linked institutions such as BSP Financial Group and TISA Bank within Tonga and welcomed deeper business engagement between the two countries.
Regional aviation connectivity was another major focus of discussions. Both leaders acknowledged the limited East-West airline connections across the Pacific and explored opportunities for:
• Airline Partnerships;
• Pilot Training;
• Route Expansion;
• and Broader Pacific Aviation Cooperation.
Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s willingness to continue discussions on improving Pacific regional connectivity and transportation links.
Healthcare cooperation was also discussed extensively.
Prime Minister Marape briefed the Tongan delegation on Papua New Guinea’s ongoing investment into specialist healthcare services, including:
• Cancer Treatment Facilities;
• Kidney Transplant Capability;
• Dialysis Services;
• Cardiac Surgery;
• and Specialist Hospital Development.
The Prime Minister said PNG is committed to supporting Pacific neighbors seeking more affordable regional specialist healthcare access as these facilities become fully operational.
The meeting further covered education and human resource development, including opportunities to expand scholarships, technical training, and institutional cooperation.
Tonga welcomed the growing number of Tongan students studying in PNG institutions, particularly in medicine, nursing, teaching, public health, and science fields.
Security cooperation also featured strongly in discussions, particularly around:
• Illicit Drug Trafficking;
• Maritime Security;
• Illegal Fishing;
• Border Protection;
• and Transnational Crime.
Both leaders discussed opportunities for greater cooperation in maritime domain awareness, fisheries monitoring, AI-supported surveillance technology, and regional security coordination.
Energy and fuel security discussions covered renewable energy opportunities, fuel supply resilience, and long-term cooperation in hydro, solar, geothermal, and battery technologies.
Prime Minister Marape acknowledged Papua New Guinea’s growing energy potential and reiterated the Government’s commitment to supporting practical regional cooperation in energy security and sustainable development.
Sports diplomacy was another important area discussed. The Prime Minister of Tonga reaffirmed Tonga’s commitment to hosting the 2030 Pacific Games, while Prime Minister Marape confirmed Papua New Guinea’s willingness to support Tonga through sports cooperation, athlete development, technical support, and event management collaboration.
Prime Minister Marape also confirmed that Papua New Guinea’s Sports Minister Hon. Kinoka Feo will visit Tonga later this year for follow-up discussions.
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The meeting concluded with both leaders reaffirming their shared commitment to:
• Pacific Unity;
• Melanesian and Polynesian Solidarity;
• Democratic Governance;
• Sustainable Development;
• Stronger Regional Partnerships;
• and a Peaceful, Prosperous Future for Pacific Peoples.