MODI SAYS INDIA SUPPORTS PACIFIC CALLS TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUES

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi says climate change is a significant issue in the Pacific Region. 

 Narendra Modi says India supports the call to address and find solutions to this issue in a global forum and alliances are part of it.

Modi made this statement during his courtesy visit to the Government House this morning at Konedobu. 

The Indian Prime Minister says the purpose of the 3rd Forum for Indian-Pacific Islands Cooperation is for India to showcase and promote the importance of capacity building as an important foundation for countries in the Pacific region.

Modi reiterated that since taking office, India took the presidency of ‘One Sun, One World and One Grid’. He said this is geared towards the conservation of renewable energy on a global stage for global welfare.

The Indian Prime Minister also expressed his gratitude to Papua New Guinea for its support towards India’s International Solar Alliance which PNG advocated in 2015 and was one of the first countries to sign as a member.

Modi says the objective of the Alliance is to promote efficient consumption of solar energy over fossil fuels.

Concluding his courtesy visit to Governor General Bob Dadae, Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to Sir Bob to visit India.

PM Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Papua New Guinea.

He is expected to fly out of the country at 4pm this afternoon.

NBC News PNG-Jack Lapauve

UPNG STUDENTS PROTEST & CALL FOR TRANSPARENCY ON THE PROPOSED US/PNG DEFENCE COOPERATION AGREEMENT

Students at the University of Papua New Guinea staged a sit-in protest at the University Forum Square as early as 7am this morning.

They protest against the proposed Defence Cooperation Agreement that is scheduled for signing this afternoon.

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken is already in the country to sign Defence Corporation Agreement and Shiprider Agreement with PNG.

The students raised grievances that the proposed Agreements between PNG and the United States concern national security and its content must be made known for public scrutiny and transparency before signing takes place. 

However, Prime Minister James Marape had said earlier that the agreements to be signed are transparent.

Marape added that not all agreements signed should be presented to Parliament earlier. He said the country's State Solicitor who represents PNG's legal checks and balances has been with this every step of the way and has given the clearance on this matter representing the laws of this country. Marape said as soon as it is stable for transparency the country will be privy to those agreements as we table in Parliament.

''I just wish to assure everyone, that Parliament will be privy to what we are about to sign and at the moment our Foreign Affairs team has been leading the negotiations and we are at the stage where we are almost there for signing.

''I want to give assurance to our country, it is nothing to be sceptical about,'' said Marape.

Marape further elaborated that similar agreements and cooperation have been reached with other countries and we can reach out to other bilateral partners with similar agreements as stipulated in the Constitution as well as the country's foreign policy-''Friends to All and Enemies to Non''.

 The US and PNG already have a Status of Forces Agreement or SOFA. A status of forces agreement (SOFA) is an agreement between a host country and a foreign nation stationing military forces in that country. SOFAs are often included, along with other types of military agreements, as part of a comprehensive security arrangement.

Marape briefly stated that the SOFA agreement does allow for Defence Corporations with the US and others and those have been the blanket in which operations of other forces have been engaged up till this pointing time and PNG is just elevating this specific with the USA.

Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso also clarified that once the agreement is agreed by the NEC and signed off by the Prime Minister and Defence minister it will be brought before Parliament and discussed in Parliament before it becomes law.

Finance Minister Rainbo Paita on behalf of the Government addressed the students at the UPNG Forum Square and received the petition presented by the Student Representative Council President, Luther Kising.

Other Tertiary Institution's student bodies such as the University of Technology have also protested against the Defence Cooperation Agreements.

Meanwhile, there is a high presence of Police personnel at the entrance to the UPNG preventing further escalation of the protest.

NBC News PNG- Stella Martin/Rose Amos

FIJIAN ASSOCIATION OF PNG HOSTS A MEMORABLE NIGHT WITH PM RABUKA AND PM MARAPE

Port Moresby, 20 May 23 - The Fijian Association of Papua New Guinea warmly welcomed Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka of Fiji and his wife, along with Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea and his wife, for a night filled with culture, friendship, and celebration. The event, held at the Stanley Hotel, symbolized the growing ties between the two nations.

The event was graced by Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Hon. James Marape, and attended by notable dignitaries, including Minister for Police, Hon. Peter Tsiamalili, Minister for Community Development, Soroi Eoe, Minister for Justice and Attorney, Hon. Pila Kole Niningi, Chairman of Motu Koita and Deputy Governor, Hon. Dadi Toka, Police Commissioner, David Manning, and several others. 

Immersed in the vibrant Fijian and Papua New Guinean cultures, the evening showcased unity and camaraderie. The venue was adorned with exquisite decorations honouring Fijian Melanesian heritage, setting a captivating atmosphere. A highlight of the night was the ceremonial kava drinking, symbolizing the traditional bond between the nations.

Prime Minister Rabuka expressed heartfelt gratitude and emphasized the importance of the Fijian community supporting PNG in all their events, highlighting the mutual benefits between the two nations.

While Governor Powes Parkop emphasized the importance of mutual respect and connection through arts, education, employment, and sports, highlighting Port Moresby's potential as a tourism destination, not just Brisbane and Auckland.

Distinguished guests, including ministers and dignitaries, shared kind words and aspirations for further strengthening Fiji-Papua New Guinea relations. The Prime Ministers' joint cutting of a symbolic cake marked their commitment to integration and collaboration, fostering closer ties between the nations.

The Fijian Association of Papua New Guinea extends its gratitude to all attendees for their presence and support. This memorable evening serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting all Pacific Island nations as "Wan Solwara" - one ocean, one community, a testament to the enduring friendship between Fiji and Papua New Guinea, as well as a beacon of hope for the Pacific community.

The Forum of India Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) is currently being held in Port Moresby, with the arrival of leaders from various Pacific Islands, including New Zealand, Australia, and India (Prime Minister Modi). The forum concludes on Monday.

US/PNG SIGN DEFENCE COOPERATION AGREEMENTS

Papua New Guinea will now benefit from two historic Military enhancement and Maritime Surveillance agreements.

This follows the signing of the Defence Cooperation Agreement and the Shiprider Agreement this afternoon. 

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Minister for Defence Win Bakri Daki inked on paper their credentials, signifying the start of more US assistance in terms of military support and addressing illegal fishing and other maritime security issues. 

This is despite students and civil society protesting against the agreements earlier today calling on the government to allow for public scrutiny and transparency before the signing.

Prime Minister James Marape says both agreements are good for the country and will grow the economy including protecting the nation's sovereignty going forward. 

US Secretary of State Bliken says PNG plays a more strategic avenue for the US hence the agreements will enhance both PNG's military and maritime capabilities.

The event was witnessed by US state officials including senior cabinet ministers from PNG the US.

Stay tuned for more details at 6pm on NBC-TV and NBC Current Issues at 7:30 pm on NBC National Radio on 90.7fm

NBC News PNG

PACIFIC ISLANDS LEADERS ARRIVE IN PORT MORESBY FOR FIPIC SUMMIT

Pacific Islands leaders arrive in Amazing Port Moresby to attend the Forum for India and Pacific Island Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit. Traditional dancers gave a rousing welcome to the leaders at the Jackson’ International Airport as the capital city host, Governor Hon. Powes Parkop and Deputy Governor, Hon. Dadi Toka Jnr, received them.

The leaders in order of arrival are; Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon. Hu'akavemeilik Siaosi Sovaleni; President of Nauru, His Excellency Russ Kun; Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Mr Henry Puna; President of Kiribati, His Excellency Taneti Maamau; and Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare.

Governor Parkop welcomed each of the leaders on behalf of the Prime Minister, assuring them that Port Moresby was their home away from home and bid them a pleasant and memorable stay.

More leaders of the Pacific will be arriving today and tomorrow for the 3rd FIPIC Summit hosted in Amazing Port Moresby.

AMAZING PORT MORESBY WELCOMES MELANESIAN ICON

Prime Minister Rabuka's State Visit and Bilateral Meeting

It is with great honour and pleasure that we welcome the Prime Minister of Fiji, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, and his wife to the vibrant capital of Papua New Guinea.

Yesterday, alongside fellow leaders, I had the privilege of receiving Prime Minister Rabuka at Jackson's International Airport and attending the State Dinner hosted by our esteemed Prime Minister, Hon. James Marape.

On behalf of the National Capital District Commission and City Manager, Mr Ravu Frank, I extend a warm welcome to Prime Minister Rabuka as he joins us for the Forum for India Pacific Island Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit.

Welcome to Amazing Port Moresby, a city that cherishes its ties with our Melanesian comrade and recognizes you as an icon of the Pacific. The warm and heartfelt exchange between our Prime Minister and yourself epitomizes the deep cultural and shared bonds we hold dear.

As Governor of the City, I hope your stay here, accompanied by your lovely wife, will be truly enjoyable. Feel free to embrace the spirit of our city and consider it your home away from home.

May your visit leave you with cherished memories of our city and country, and we hope for a fruitful bilateral meeting and successful outcomes from the FIPIC Summit.

HON. POWES PARKOP, LLB, LLM, MP

GOVERNOR OF NCD

FIPIC LEADERS ARRIVE FOR SUMMIT

All Pacific Island leaders will be arriving today, for the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation summit or FIPIC.

The summit will be held tomorrow Monday 22nd May in Port Moresby.

PNG and India are co-hosting the summit, which was last held in India in 2015.

It is part of India’s Act East Policy, where much of its engagements with Pacific countries, is through development assistance under the south – south cooperation. 

Fiji had a head start with Prime Minister Rabuka arriving for a state visit on Thursday, Tuvalu on Friday and Palau and Micronesia earlier this morning.

The other Island nations, Tonga, Nauru, Mashall Islands, Solomon Island, Vanuatu, Niue, Kiribati, and New Caledonia will all arrive later today.

Among those who will be arriving today, is the first Female Prime Minister for Samoa, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa this evening at 6pm.

Pic: Palau President - His Excellency Suranges Whipps Jnr (Blue Shirt) being escorted to his vehicle, upon arrival at the Jackson Airport - Port Moresby.