Marape sees Japanese ties as satisfactory

THE Government wants to expand and strengthen the state of bilateral relations with Japan, says Prime Minister James Marape.
Marape told the Japanese ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Nobuyuki Watanabe, that PNG was satisfied with the current state of relations between the two countries since formalising diplomatic ties in 1975.
“There have been significant high-level visits by political leaders as well as senior government officials from both sides, and that needs to be encouraged with more of such visits in the future,” he said.
He also met with Japanese Prime Minister Fuimo Kishida during the state funeral of former prime minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo.
“Japanese Prime Minister Kishida and myself agreed to progress on medical and defence cooperation, including the port visit by the Japan maritime self-defence force destroyer Kirisame to Port Moresby and Japan’s support for capacity building of the Papua New Guinea Defense Force’s Military Band and Engineers,” he said.
“On economic relations, including LNG projects, PNG is committed to remain a reliable supplier of gas towards meeting some of Japan’s energy needs, including support for Japanese companies continued and future participation in PNG’s new gas projects, including in the Papua LNG project.
“Japan is an important development partner through the Japan International Cooperation Agency in technical cooperation projects, grant aid and Japanese development assistance loans in addressing economic infrastructure, improving social services and environment and climate change issues in PNG.”
Marape thanked the government and people of Japan for their continued support to PNG’s development efforts, and in addressing key regional and international cooperation issues through the Pacific Island Leaders Meeting.
These include the development of Nadzab Airport, Morobe, which will be opened next year to international standard as well as education opportunities in Japan for young Papua New Guineans.
Marape said he would talk to Air Niugini about the possibility of restoring Japan-PNG flights.
He also acknowledged Japan’s continued commitment and support to the Pacific Island countries.
Marape said PNG supported Japan at the United Nations General Assembly, saying Japan was PNG’s true friend and a genuine development partner.