PRIME Minister James Marape is back in the country after concluding the US-Pacific Leaders’ Summit and expressed his gratitude to the Biden Administration.
The summit was an excellent opportunity for Pacific Island leaders to meet with President Biden and discuss issues related to mutual prosperity, security, and sustainability in theegion.
He said it is great to see the United States reaffirming its commitment to the Pacific Island nations and working towards strengthening partnerships in various areas.
In the welcome address, President Biden made several significant announcements aimed at enhancing relations and addressing the shared challenges faced by our region.
“The summit highlighted the strong partnership and cooperation between the United States and the Pacific Island nations.
This reaffirmation of robust bonds will help in addressing the shared challenges faced by the region, and work towards a more secure and prosperous Pacific,” Mr Marape said.
He said the United States pledged to provide financial support such as allocating $40 million towards the Pacific Islands Infrastructure Initiative; the signing of a new 10-year $600 million agreement to support the sustainable development of Pacific Islands fisheries; and the intention by US alongside its Quad partners to invest $11 million in cutting-edge maritime domain awareness technology, are very significant investments in the region’s economic growth.
“This infrastructure development can help to bridge the digital divide and enhance economic growth, as well as improve access to services such as healthcare and education.
“It is commendable that the United States is committed to promoting sustainable and
resilient infrastructure that can benefit the people of the Pacific for generations to come.
“President Biden’s commitment to a free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific region
is significant, and his willingness to collaborate with all nations present at the summit to
achieve this shared goal, is commendable.
“This commitment helps to strengthen the United States’ partnership with the Pacific Island
nations in promoting economic growth, addressing climate change, ensuring public health,
and countering illegal fishing,” PM Marape said.
He said the United States collaboration with our nations can help to tackle the common challenges faced by the Pacific Island nations and enhance mutual prosperity and security
in the region.
“It is also encouraging to see the US working with partners such as Japan and Australia to
focus on climate-resilient economic development.
“This broader initiative involving multiple partners can help to leverage resources and
expertise towards achieving sustainable, resilient, and climate-resilient economic growth in
the region,” PM Marape said.
He said the United States’ commitment to the Pacific islands follows the Biden
Administration pledge to help the region fend off economic coercion from other nations.
US aims to strengthen its partnership with Pacific Island nations in various areas, including
climate change, economic growth, sustainable development, public health, and countering
illegal fishing.
Prime Minister Marape says PNG embraces the stronger U.S. regional presence as a step
towards making the Pacific more secure and prosperous.
He said it is also encouraging to see the Pacific Island Forum leaders meeting being
endorsed to further enhance cooperation with a focus on mutual prosperity, security, and
sustainability.
“PNG remains committed to working closely with the United States and other Pacific Island
nations to address common challenges and seize opportunities for growth and development,” PM Marape said.
Overall, this summit marks a significant step towards making the Pacific more secure and
prosperous.