Marape attends Pacific Islands Forum, stresses importance of solidarity

Prime Minister James Marape has departed the country for Solomon Islands to attend the 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), which officially be opened this afternoon and will run until September 12. It is the first time Solomon Islands is hosting the regional gathering.

Marape joined leaders from 15 member nations for the opening session, where he highlighted the importance of Pacific solidarity in addressing shared challenges, including climate change, global economic pressures, and geopolitical interests in the region.

“This is an important moment as we face many global issues,” Marape said. “Papua New Guinea will advocate for Pacific nations to remain united. We will speak strongly on unity and tell those who want to divide us to take their division elsewhere. We stand as one family.”

He noted that while Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea are the region’s larger land masses, the Forum’s strength lies in its unity, bringing together Micronesian, Polynesian, and Melanesian nations as the Pacific Blue Continent.

Due to Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary and other scheduled commitments, Marape will return tomorrow for the opening of the new National Courthouse on Wednesday. He will travel back to Solomon Islands on Thursday for the Leaders’ Retreat, where the forum will conclude.

Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko will remain in the country to oversee national independence celebrations.