Marape assures Fiji of PNG’s support

PRIME Minister James Marape has assured Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama of Papua New Guinea’s support during a bilateral meeting on the margins of the 51st Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Suva, Fiji.
Bainimarama thanked Marape for making time to attend the PIF saying it showed his commitment and cause to the wider regional family.
He also thanked Marape for successfully handing over the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) chair to Vanuatu.
He reiterated what he said in the Special MSG leaders’ summit that sub-regional arrangements like the MSG free trade agreement could assist in strengthening economic recovery efforts.
In response, Marape reassured Bainimarama of his full support in the face of several challenges to the region, including climate change.
Marape added that PNG and Fiji had always maintained strong bilateral relations, noting that there was a growing amount of PNG investments in Fiji and looked forward to seeing this part of the relationship grow.
In reference to the Suva Agreement, Marape raised concern at the withdrawal of Kiribati from the PIF and enquired as to the number of members that had signed.
Bainimarama said most forum leaders had signed onto the Suva Agreement except for PNG, Kiribati and Nauru.
Nauru had requested to sign the document last, given the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic on the island.
He said the Suva Agreement would address the political impasse currently between the forum leaders and the Micronesian member states.
Marape re-affirmed to regional solidarity, and signed the Suva Agreement.