Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste are planning to establish diplomatic missions in each country.
The plan was announced by both PNG Prime Minister James Marape and President of Timor-Leste His Excellency José Ramos-Horta during a joint media conference in Port Moresby this week.
Related news: https://pnghauslain.com/png-timor-leste-agree-to-open-reciprocal-embassies/
Ramos-Horta’s visit showcases the indications of his nation’s interest to open an embassy in PNG.
PM Marape told reporters that PNG would reciprocate the same in their country.
In his opening remarks, PM Marape said: “We discuss our friendly relationships.”
“We have discussed our people-to-people exchange with his Excellency has indicated his nation’s interest to open an embassy here in PNG, and I have also indicated our nation’s interest to open an embassy there.”
PM Marape emphasized “We are really tucked in the middle of a region where you have Indonesia throughout east and around us. We have Australia throughout south.”
He added, “You have the ASEAN family of nations, the Pacific Island family of nations, as well as the APEC nations. And we are in this space together, working side-by-side with nations like Indonesia.”
“The president of Timor-Leste will give us more upgrades and more network.
He has also pledged his nation’s support for our country in a bid to be part of ASEAN, a full member of ASEAN.
“He has indicated his full support for PNG to be progressed. Like we told him: ‘It is not only your job, you’re not present, do what you have to do, but we will also make sure our lobby is a full member of ASEAN next place.’ And yes, according to the process, ASEAN nations are subscribed too.”
“Therefore, I want to say to the people of PNG: ‘We’re not living in isolation on the planet. We relate to nations. We share the weather together.”
“Share the joy of success together in the family of nations that we relate with,” PM Marape said.
“He’s an established global statesman. He carries the weight of a global statesman, and so his voice for small island states, his voice for emerging nations, whether it’s in climate change related issues or economy or peace, is an important voice.”
“And we certainly, Mr. President, we’re looking forward to your voice in the ocean conference.”
“And tomorrow, he has invited me to be part of the Blue Economy Conference that he’s staging to host next month,” Marape said.
Related news: https://www.thepngsun.com/pm-marape-welcomes-timor-leste-president-for-bilateral-talks-melanesian-oceans-summit/
“Timor-Leste is obviously on its way to relating to us, and especially bilateral relations, apart from our shared presence in ASEAN, our shared presence in PIF and other regional and global multilateral agencies that we want to work with,” Marape said.
“So, I’m happy to welcome him,” PM Marape said.