Prime Minister James Marape has successfully concluded the visit to Japan, marking a milestone in Papua New Guinea Japan 50 years of diplomatic partnership.
The visit spanned key engagements in Osaka and Tokyo, showcased cooperation in trade, investment, fisheries, energy, education, and infrastructure and reaffirmed Japan’s role as one of PNG’s most enduring and strategic partners.
PM Marape was the first world leader to congratulate re-elected Japanese Prime Minister His Excellency Shigeru Ishiba on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
The two leaders met at the Japanese Prime Minister’s office in Tokyo for a highly productive bilateral dialogue, centered on strengthening ties in trade, investment, and development.
The leaders discussed the strategic direction of PNG–Japan relations for the next 50 years,
reaffirming mutual respect and shared aspirations for peace, prosperity, and regional
cooperation.
The meeting built on the legacy of five decades of partnership, with both Prime Ministers pledging to elevate economic and technical cooperation to a new level.
“It was a great honour to be the first national leader to personally congratulate Prime
Minister Ishiba on his re-election. Japan is one of Papua New Guinea’s most trusted and
enduring partners,” said Prime Minister Marape.
Prime Minister Marape expressed PNG’s appreciation for Japan’s ongoing support,
including:
The proposed upgrade of Tokua Airport to a standard similar to Nadzab Tomodachi
International Airport,
Continued investment in agriculture and fisheries, and
A reaffirmed commitment to long-term economic cooperation.
Prime Minister Marape also proposed the establishment of a new framework to reset and elevate the economic relationship between the two countries. He
formally suggested a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to govern
trade and investment.
AloJapan.com