Marape strengthening relations with Japan

PRIME Minister James Marape has described his one-day visit to Japan as important in consolidating relations between the two countries.
Marape met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo yesterday before the state funeral for former prime minister Shinzo Abe attended by 191 world leaders.
He described his meeting with Kishida “very special”, especially during Japan’s “day of mourning” for the former PM. “(It) shows the respect Japan has for PNG,” Marape said.
“Japan and PNG have a very strong bilateral relationship which goes way before our independence in 1975.”
They discussed Japan’s need for energy security and the need for bilateral trade to grow.
“I invited Prime Minister Kishida to visit PNG and I will reciprocate with a visit to Japan,” Marape said.
“Japan is currently involved in several major projects in PNG, including the Nadzab Airport.
“I assured (him) that PNG can help Japan’s energy security needs with a continuous supply of LNG, and if there are any additional gas fields to be developed, Japan would be given priority in developing these.”
Marape also held talks with Sojitz, JX Nippon Oil and Gas Exploration Corporation, and LNG Japan Corporation.