PNG PM Marpe Departs for New York for UN Assembly
Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister James Marape led a Ministerial Delegation to the 76th United Nations General Assembly from September 21-26 in New York.
During his absence and with the Deputy Prime Minister Sam Basil being sidelined to face leadership tribunal charges, the Prime Minister announced the Cabinet’s decision to appoint Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Soroi Eoe to be acting Prime Minister for the next 10 days (see separate story).
This will be his first visit to the UNGA and the United States in his capacity as Head of Government.
Mr Marape said he missed the 2019 UNGA to attend to the Bougainville Referendum as it was important for the nation, while the 2020 meeting was a virtual conference due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
He said world leaders will be converging in New York to discuss COVID-19 and climate change and he will be joining his Australian counterpart, Scott Morrison, to represent the region and address the UN on issues affecting the small island nations, including PNG.
Mr Marape said it is an important meeting that he needs to attend to address industrialised nations for assistance to underdeveloped and developing nations.
During the period, the Prime Minister will be engaged in a bilateral meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Gueterres on current UN assistance to PNG and how future assistance can be drawn down.
He will participate in a Pacific Islands Forum Leaders virtual meeting with Mr Gueterres and will deliver a statement on the impact of COVID-19 in the Pacific region Mr Marape will deliver the PNG country statement on Friday.
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