PNG, Timor-Leste Agree to Open Embassies After Port Moresby Talks

Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste have moved to deepen diplomatic ties with plans to establish embassies in each other’s capitals following high-level discussions in Port Moresby yesterday.

Prime Minister James Marape and Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta met at Melanesian Haus during the ongoing Melanesian Oceans Summit, where both leaders discussed trade, regional cooperation and closer people-to-people connections.

Mr Marape described President Ramos-Horta as a globally respected statesman and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, welcoming him to PNG as regional leaders gather for the summit.

The Prime Minister said both governments were keen to formalise stronger diplomatic engagement through permanent missions in Port Moresby and Dili.

“His Excellency Ramos-Horta has indicated his nation’s interest to open an embassy here, and I am also interested in opening an embassy there,” Mr Marape said.

The bilateral talks also covered regional development, climate change, ocean conservation and cooperation among Pacific and petroleum-producing nations. President Ramos-Horta also backed Papua New Guinea’s push to become a full member of ASEAN.

Mr Marape said smaller island economies needed to work together to have a stronger voice internationally and revealed he intends to visit Timor-Leste in the future as relations between the two nations continue to grow.

“As small economies and island nations, our voice on the global stage is stronger when we stand together,” he said.