PNG adopts new foreign policy after 40 years

Papua New Guinea has finally updated its Foreign Policy White Paper after 40 years. Parliament presented and passed the new policy on Thursday.

The new White Paper is called "Strategic Partnerships for Security and Economic Prosperity." It replaces the old policy from 1981, which was based on "Active and Selective Engagement."

Work on the review began in 2022 when the Marape-Rosso Government saw the need for a modern and relevant Foreign Policy to guide PNG’s international relations.

Prime Minister James Marape welcomed the new policy, saying it sets a clear direction for PNG in a fast-changing world. He said it is timely as the country prepares for the next 50 years after Independence.

“The 2025 Foreign Policy White Paper reinforces Papua New Guinea’s foundational foreign policy doctrine of ‘Friends to All; Enemies to None’. It is updated, modern and spells out the direction we must take as we enter into the next 50 years,” he said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko presented the document in Parliament. He said he was proud to complete the paper and asked MPs to support its endorsement.

Under the theme ‘Strategic Partnerships for Security and Economic Prosperity’, the policy connects PNG’s international work with its domestic goals. It aims to position PNG as confident, principled and practical on the global stage.

"At its heart, this Foreign Policy aims to promote national security, economic prosperity, social well-being and a sense of national unity through dynamic partnerships and purposeful diplomacy,” Minister Tkatchenko said.

"The policy reaffirms PNG's identity as a responsible global citizen and regional leader in the Pacific."

"PNG's Foreign Policy is grounded in a foundation of core values and principles, constitutional democracy, and human rights, and sovereignty reciprocity, peaceful co-existence constructive internationalism."

The new Foreign Policy has eight main pillars. These include:

The Department of Foreign Affairs will lead, coordinate and implement the new policy.