Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape visited Washington, D.C., from July 9 to 11. During the visit, he engaged in meetings with senior U.S. government officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. This visit marked the first formal engagement between the current U.S. administration and Prime Minister Marape.
The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties, cooperation in trade and investment, and regional security. Both Vice President Vance and Prime Minister Marape highlighted the importance of a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region.
Deputy Secretary Landau congratulated Papua New Guinea on its upcoming 50th anniversary of independence and confirmed his attendance at the celebrations in Port Moresby in September. Their discussions also addressed promoting prosperity through cooperation.
At the Pentagon, Prime Minister Marape met with Admiral Christopher Grady and Elbridge Colby to discuss regional security challenges and defense cooperation. Additionally, he met with Admiral Kevin Lunday to address maritime security issues.
U.S. Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock remarked on the significance of the visit for bilateral relations: “The Prime Minister’s meetings with the Vice President, Deputy Secretary of State, and senior government leaders demonstrated clear alignment on our shared goals of security, prosperity, and sovereignty."
Prime Minister Marape welcomed increased American private sector involvement in Papua New Guinea and encouraged further U.S. investment in various sectors. He also invited Newmont Mining executives for negotiations regarding a mining project.
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