Prime Minister Hon. James Marape met with senior United States Government officials on Wednesday (9^th July 2025), further strengthening strategic ties between Papua New Guinea and the United States across trade, investments, security, and fisheries cooperation.

Prime Minister Marape’s engagements included high-level discussions at the Pentagon, U.S. Border Protection, and the U.S. Coast Guard, culminating in a key meeting with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who conveyed apologies on behalf of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, currently attending the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur. Deputy Secretary Landau also confirmed he will represent the United States at Papua New Guinea’s 50th Anniversary celebrations in September.

“The discussions were highly productive,” said Prime Minister Marape. “The U.S. administration under President Donald Trump is shifting its focus from traditional aid to trade and investment partnerships — a direction that aligns with Papua New Guinea’s development agenda.”

The Prime Minister welcomed the continued presence of major American companies in PNG — Newmont, ExxonMobil, and Hilton — and encouraged further U.S. investment in fisheries, energy, hospitality, and manufacturing. He specifically advocated for U.S. involvement in the fisheries sector, including through regional partnerships facilitated by the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the East New Britain Initiative, which offers land for joint Pacific fisheries ventures.

On deep sea mining, Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed PNG’s national moratorium: “Our waters are breeding grounds for tuna, and we are committed to environmental stewardship. Until comprehensive marine ecological studies are completed, no deep sea mining activity will proceed.”

Defence Cooperation and Maritime Security

The Prime Minister acknowledged the growing benefits of the Defence Cooperation Agreement between Papua New Guinea and the United States. One of the key outcomes currently underway is the development of a fuel storage facility, aimed at improving PNG’s fuel security and ensuring supply reliability during emergencies.

“We are seeing real progress through this agreement,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Defence cooperation is not only strengthening our military’s capacity but also improving operational readiness, infrastructure, and surveillance across the board.”

He noted an increase in military-to-military exchanges, joint operations, and training initiatives under the agreement.

Discussions with the U.S. Coast Guard and Pentagon officials focused on enhancing joint maritime patrols to counter illegal fishing, transnational crime, and illicit trade — including unauthorised shipments of arms, drugs, and other contraband.

“There was strong consensus across all my meetings on the need to deepen security cooperation to protect Papua New Guinea’s territorial waters, deter illegal activities, and prevent the movement of illicit substances in and out of our country,” Prime Minister Marape said. “We are committed to working closely with the U.S. Navy and our regional partners to strengthen maritime security.”

Wafi-Golpu and Newmont Engagement

In the evening, Prime Minister Marape met with senior executives of Newmont Mining, where he formally presented Papua New Guinea’s response to the company’s proposals for the Wafi-Golpu Project.

“I invited Newmont and the full State Negotiating Team to convene in PNG for a dedicated, week-long negotiation process,” he stated. “Together, we aim to resolve all outstanding matters and finalise a joint venture agreement that will unlock long-term benefits for our people and our economy.”

Looking Ahead

Prime Minister Marape continues his Washington, D.C. programme today and will conclude his official visit to the United States with a bilateral meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. He will then commence his return journey to Papua New Guinea.

“This is what the Marape-Rosso Government has been working toward: building the infrastructure, passing the laws, creating the trade relationships, and empowering our people to take their place in the global economy,” the Prime Minister said.

“We are not just exporting products — we are exporting the hard work of our people, the quality of our resources, and the story of a resilient, resourceful, and forward-looking Papua New Guinea.”

He also confirmed that the Government is working closely with the Bank of Papua New Guinea to enable convertibility between the Papua New Guinea kina and the Chinese yuan. This will make trade transactions with China more efficient and affordable for exporters and importers, and is part of the Government’s broader strategy to facilitate seamless economic exchange across the Asia-Pacific region.