Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea met with U.S. President Donald J. Trump during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, according to a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby. The meeting is described as highlighting the ongoing partnership between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the United States.
The embassy noted that this encounter follows recent high-level visits, including Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Admiral Paparo's trip to Port Moresby for celebrations marking 50 years of PNG’s independence and diplomatic relations with the United States.
Since the first Trump Administration, U.S. policy has placed increased focus on Pacific Islands, aiming to support economic growth, infrastructure development, and security cooperation in the region. The embassy stated that under President Trump’s second term, “the United States has renewed its commitment to a free and open Pacific Islands region.”
In July 2025, Prime Minister Marape visited Washington, D.C., where he met Vice President JD Vance, Deputy Secretary Landau, and senior defense officials such as Admiral Christopher Grady. These meetings led to discussions on trade, investment, security cooperation, and resulted in the signing of a new U.S.-PNG Framework for Strategic Cooperation during anniversary events in Port Moresby.
After his meeting with President Trump at UNGA in New York, Prime Minister Marape had engaged with various levels of U.S. leadership. According to the embassy statement: “Following his meeting with President Trump in New York, Prime Minister Marape has now engaged the full spectrum of U.S. leadership, a clear demonstration of the central role Papua New Guinea plays in advancing a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.”
During September’s anniversary events in Port Moresby, Deputy Secretary Landau hosted a roundtable with Pacific Islands Forum representatives and announced efforts to realign priorities for mutual benefit.
A key outcome was the signing of the Framework for Strategic Cooperation by Prime Minister Marape and Deputy Secretary Landau. This agreement sets future directions for bilateral collaboration across areas such as defense ties; maritime security; law enforcement; critical minerals; infrastructure; economic development; and digital economy initiatives.
The two countries have also advanced their maritime cooperation through agreements like the Shiprider Agreement signed on May 22, 2023. This allows joint patrols targeting illegal fishing and other maritime threats within PNG’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). In 2024 alone under this agreement there were two joint patrols resulting in 14 boardings aimed at countering illegal fishing activities.
The United States is providing $11 million through foreign military financing intended to improve PNG’s disaster relief capacity as well as its maritime security capabilities and defense force training standards. Additionally, PNG will participate in Exercise Talisman Sabre outside Australia for the first time—an indication of its expanding regional role.
To support law enforcement reforms consistent with Prime Minister Marape’s agenda on public order issues, an advisor from Homeland Security’s Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers will assist local police recruitment and training programs via funding from INL (Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs).
Economic engagement remains another focus area underlined by both governments’ commitments within their new framework agreement. American companies are already active investors across several sectors including extractives (ExxonMobil), hospitality (Hilton), consumer goods (Coca-Cola), among others. The launch of American Chamber of Commerce Coral Sea further supports business networking throughout PNG.
One notable project is DGCI Corporation's construction start on a $498 million fuel storage facility near Port Moresby Harbour—a project funded by U.S government backing at PNG's request under their Defense Cooperation Agreement signed last year.
People-to-people connections are also emphasized through educational opportunities supported by EducationUSA services provided by the embassy as well as new sister city partnerships linking Port Moresby with Long Beach (California) and Madang with Poplar (Wisconsin). Five young professionals from PNG will take part in an International Visitor Leadership Program focused on youth participation in politics later this year.
Deputy Secretary Landau said during anniversary commemorations: “The United States is proud to mark 50 years of partnership with Papua New Guinea.” He added: “Framework for Strategic Cooperation reflects our enduring commitment to strengthen defense ties foster economic growth and deliver shared prosperity for generations to come.” Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock remarked: “the United States has stood with PNG since day one…this framework builds on five decades of cooperation based on shared values…”
According to historical records referenced by embassy officials—the United States was among only eight countries represented at Parliament when it recognized Papua New Guinea's independence on September 16th 1975.