PNG Foreign Minister Tkatchenko Spotlights Rugby League’s Diplomatic and Economic Potential
Papua New Guinea Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko has expressed the country’s appreciation for the strategic partnerships with the United States and Australia, emphasizing the significance of rugby league in fostering regional unity and economic development. Speaking at the Indo-Pacific Forum Discussion on Geopolitics and Rugby League in Las Vegas, Nevada, he acknowledged key figures, including Bondi Partners Global President Joe Hockey, former U.S. Navy Secretary Richard V. Spencer, and Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’Landys, for their contributions to the sport’s expansion in the Pacific.
Tkatchenko stated that Australia’s 10-year Pacific Rugby League Partnership would enhance grassroots, pathways, and elite rugby league development in Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji. He highlighted that the initiative would also support the inclusion of a PNG-based team in the NRL Telstra Premiership, reflecting the country’s deep passion for the sport. According to Tkatchenko, rugby league is the most popular sport in Papua New Guinea and serves as a unifying force for its diverse population. He echoed Prime Minister James Marape’s remarks that the sport plays a crucial role in nation-building and strengthening community ties.
The Foreign Minister further noted that Papua New Guinea’s entry into the NRL would create investment opportunities, increase tourism, and generate employment. He emphasized that a PNG-based NRL team would expand international viewership of the sport, particularly in Australia, New Zealand, and local media outlets. He added that capacity-building initiatives, including training programs and sports academies, would contribute to youth development and education in the region.
Tkatchenko underscored the role of rugby league in strengthening diplomatic ties between Papua New Guinea, Australia, and the Pacific region. He stressed that sports diplomacy would support broader objectives such as governance, trade, and regional security. He also acknowledged the contributions of the U.S. government in advancing economic growth, community resilience, and democratic governance in the Pacific Islands through targeted sports development programs.
He further highlighted that the NRL Indo-Pacific initiative would introduce a groundbreaking global sporting event, elevating the sport to unprecedented levels. He pointed out that the Super League and international rugby league competitions would provide new opportunities for tourism, investment, and development. Tkatchenko stated that the initiative also presents an avenue for increased American investment in the region through sports diplomacy.
In closing, Tkatchenko extended his gratitude to the Australian government’s sport-for-development program and the U.S. government’s continued support for the Indo-Pacific strategy. He particularly acknowledged former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration for its contributions to the Indo-Pacific region. He reiterated that sports diplomacy plays a crucial role in promoting democracy, prosperity, and resilience in the Pacific, positioning rugby league as a key pillar in regional cooperation.
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