Prime Minister, James Marape last Friday pledged to assist Republic of Vanuatu with Kumul Highway upgrade and sealing, and trade related matters.
The highway was named after PNG’s Kumul Force which was engaged on the Santo Island to have crushed an independence separatist group led by late Jimmy Stevens. The army force helped Vanuatu gained its political independence in 1980. The first independence parade was conducted along this highway located in the country’s capital, Port Vila.
The pledge was made by PNG Prime Minister, James Marape during the bilateral talks with his Vanuatu counterpart Charlot Salwai, at Sir Manasupe Haus in Port Moresby last Friday.
PM Marape did not indicate how much PNG funding assistance would be made available for this road.
The duo discussed PNG’s assistance to Vanuatu on trade-related matters and infrastructure development.
“The PNG Government is delighted to engage in cordial relations with the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu,” Prime Minister Marape said in a statement.
PM Marape stated in a statement that: “We are part of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), have enjoyed an atmosphere of close friendship, based on mutual trust and respect for each other since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 26th September 1980.”
“Therefore, as Melanesian neighbors, we share close historic connections and similar values and interests through membership of regional and international organizations: United Nations, Pacific Islands Forum, Secretariat of the South Pacific, Commonwealth of Nations, and World Trade Organization,” said PM Marape.
He continued: “The discussions also focused on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring business investment opportunities between the two nations.”
Prime Minister Marape highlighted PNG’s development plans and economic ventures, emphasizing the potential for cooperation in fisheries, education, health, infrastructure, and tourism—areas in which PNG is offering assistance.
He further emphasized the importance of domesticating the Pacific fisheries industry and discussed the sharing of education, training resources, and health facilities.
Moreover, he mentioned the new cancer facility being developed in Port Moresby, which could benefit Vanuatu as well.
Prime Minister Marape proposed the establishment of a PNG diplomatic mission in Port Vila in the context of deepening ties.
Currently, the PNG High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Simon Kaul, is accredited to Vanuatu.
He added: “PNG is also represented by an Honorary Consulate in Vanuatu, led by Mrs. Eileen Nganga, a Papua New Guinean with long-standing ties to the country.”
Prime Minister Salwai expressed his appreciation for the meeting and affirmed Vanuatu’s willingness to cooperate and strengthen relations with PNG on the matters discussed.
Both leaders highlighted the importance of maintaining cordial and friendly relations, and they discussed the possibility of official visits between the two Melanesian neighbors in the near future.