Monday 01st May 2023
Papua New Guinea Government today received the official announcement from the White House that the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden will make an historic visit to Port Moresby Papua New Guinea on May 22, 2023.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Justin Tkatchenko said this will be an official visit in which President Biden will have a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister James Marape as well as have a meeting with 18 Pacific Island leaders.
Minister Tkatchenko said this is a completely separate meeting to the Summit of India and Pacific Island Countries (FIPIC) that will be held at the same time.
“We thank the Indian Government for their understanding to the situation of the President of United States Joe Biden coming to Port Moresby for a 3-hour stopover,” he said.
“We are going to have the two biggest World Economies right here in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
“First time in our history that this has ever happened which is due to the confidence in the James Marape Government, and relationships that we have now been forged with the United States and with India.”
Minister Tkatchenko said President Biden will be at the Apec Haus for three hours, where he meets all the 18 Pacific Island leaders, and from there have a bilateral meetings and make some important announcements as part of his visit.
President Biden will then travel to Australia where he will have meetings with the Leaders from India, Japan, and Australia.
“It’s a first for a President of the United States, ever to visit a Pacific Island Country.
“It will play an important role in strengthening the bilateral and diplomatic relationships with the United States and strengthen the Pacific Region.
“We are very privileged to welcome the US President Joe Biden, and we look forward to 22nd May when he comes to Port Moresby Papua New Guinea.
“I thank the White House for their official announcement that we have been waiting for.
“This is an important meeting and visit, and we want to ensure both Visiting World Leaders are welcomed with true honor and dignity that they deserve,” Minister Tkatchenko added.