PNG Revives Foreign Policy Vision With First White Paper Since 1981
For the first time in more than four decades, Papua New Guinea has refreshed its foreign policy direction with the presentation of the 2025 Foreign Policy White Paper, tabled in Parliament by Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko. The previous White Paper, endorsed in 1981, guided PNG through a different era—one defined by Cold War tensions, limited technology and a smaller global footprint.
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| PNG Revives Foreign Policy Vision With First White Paper Since 1981 |
The Minister said the new document reflects an increasingly complex world where foreign engagement is essential for advancing domestic priorities. He emphasised that foreign policy is not a distant or abstract field but one deeply connected to the everyday lives of Papua New Guineans.
According to the White Paper, PNG’s strategic location between Asia and the Pacific enhances its value as a regional partner. With a growing population, abundant resources and expanding infrastructure under Connect PNG, the country is well-placed to benefit from purposeful diplomacy while addressing challenges such as governance, institutional capacity and climate risk.
The policy is built around eight pillars, including stronger bilateral ties, more effective multilateral participation, improved security capability, economic diplomacy, development cooperation reforms, national image-building, departmental modernisation and coordinated leadership across government. It maintains the long-held principle of “Friends to All, Enemies to None,” but updates it to match contemporary geopolitical realities.
Mr Tkatchenko said reforms within the Department of Foreign Affairs—including updated staffing, ICT improvements, a Foreign Service Act and a proposed Diplomatic Academy—will ensure PNG’s missions abroad are more effective and better equipped to represent national interests. He added that responsible engagement with partners such as Australia, Indonesia, China, Japan, the United States and Pacific neighbours will remain central to PNG’s diplomacy.
Wrapping up his address, the Minister said the policy lays out a confident pathway for the nation’s future engagement. “I commend the 2025 Papua New Guinea Foreign Policy White Paper entitled: Strategic Partnerships for Security and Economic Prosperity to Parliament for its endorsement.”
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