Marape praises Trump, Xi meeting as PNG maintains diplomatic balance

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has praised a high-level meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington, saying stable relations between the two global powers are crucial for world trade and regional stability.

Marape said Papua New Guinea would continue to maintain close, balanced ties with both superpowers.

"Papua New Guinea maintains close relations with both the United States and China, and we welcome continued dialogue and cooperation between Washington and Beijing," Marape said.

The Prime Minister said PNG's relationship with the US had gained momentum following his recent attendance at the 81st United Nations General Assembly [UNGA] in New York, where he met President Trump.

"President Trump provided assurances of support for strengthening PNG-US relations, particularly through greater involvement by American private-sector companies," Marape said.

He said discussions with a US business delegation in New York outlined growing commercial interest in PNG's agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, technology, mining, and energy sectors.

At the same time, Marape reaffirmed Port Moresby's commitment to its long-standing 'One China' policy.

He said he expects to meet President Xi on the sidelines of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation [APEC] summit to discuss expanding trade and investment ties.