PNG Unveils New Foreign Policy White Paper at Korea-Pacific Meeting

Papua New Guinea has placed its long-awaited Foreign Policy White Paper at the centre of regional discussions in Seoul, where Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko outlined the country’s renewed international posture.

Speaking at the 6th Korea–Pacific Island Countries’ Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, he said the document will guide PNG’s engagement in a rapidly shifting global environment.

 PNG Unveils New Foreign Policy White Paper at Korea-Pacific Meeting

He told Pacific and Korean counterparts that the White Paper, endorsed by the National Parliament on November 26, is the first full foreign policy framework developed in 44 years and will reshape how PNG manages diplomacy, partnership programs and security priorities.

“This policy consolidates our national priorities and sets out a clear pathway for advancing Papua New Guinea’s interests as a responsible global citizen and a regional partner in the Pacific,” Minister Tkatchenko stated.

The document emphasises national security, economic advancement and social well-being through strategic cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.

Minister Tkatchenko highlighted existing partnerships, including the Pukpuk Treaty and bilateral policing agreement with Australia, the maritime boundaries treaty with the Federated States of Micronesia, and the US-PNG Defence Cooperation and Shiprider arrangements valued at more than PGK 3 billion over ten years.

He said these agreements are helping PNG strengthen border protection, build defence and policing capability, and respond to emerging threats such as cyber-attacks and climate impacts.

The Minister also reiterated PNG’s support for peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula and backed Seoul’s diplomatic initiatives.

He commended Korea for hosting the recent APEC Leaders’ Meeting and said discussions on AI, climate challenges and supply chain pressures were timely for Pacific economies.

Looking ahead, he confirmed PNG has received endorsement to host APEC in 2033 and will seek sustained support from regional partners.

Minister Tkatchenko thanked the Republic of Korea for fostering dialogue with Pacific Island nations and for its “unwavering commitment to the region’s development aspirations.”