Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea—A ceremonial Sister City agreement was signed between Long Beach, California, and Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The agreement was formalized by Powes Parkop, Governor of the National Capital District of Port Moresby, and Jeff Williams, Director of Community Engagement in the Office of Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. This partnership aims to enhance collaboration in business, education, and tourism.
Jeff Williams visited Port Moresby on a trip organized by the U.S. Embassy in Papua New Guinea. During his visit, he engaged with various government and private sector officials and explored local sites such as the Nature Park and the National Museum and Archives. Discussions during these visits highlighted potential for economic, educational, and cultural exchanges.
Long Beach is known for its waterfront attractions like the Aquarium of the Pacific and its educational institutions including the headquarters of the California State University System. It will host events during both the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the 2028 Summer Olympics.
“Papua New Guinea is a beautiful country with friendly people,” said Jeff Williams. “Port Moresby and Long Beach are both coastal urban cities with many similarities upon which to continue building our relationship.”
Governor Powes Parkop expressed excitement about entering into this sister city relationship: “We are both port cities; similar in economy; similar in lifestyle but miles away from each other at opposite sides of the great Pacific Ocean.”
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Long Beach and Port Moresby will be finalized upon signing by Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. An official copy will then be sent back to Port Moresby.
Additionally, a delegation from Poplar, Wisconsin signed an MOU with Madang on July 9th. Both delegations were sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Carlo Capua from Sister Cities International commented on these partnerships: “Subnational diplomacy and people-to-people connections are often the most sustainable pathways to long-term peace.”
This initiative aligns with Sister Cities International's "7 for 70" Campaign launched in 2023 to enhance engagement with Pacific Island nations by creating seven Sister City partnerships by 2026.