Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his Papua New Guinean counterpart James Marape. , Photo Credit: Twitter/@narendramodi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 22 held separate talks with his Papua New Guinean counterpart James Marape and the island nation’s Governor-General Bob Dade and stressed on strengthening the partnership between the two countries in several fields.
Mr Modi, who arrived in Port Moresby on Sunday on his maiden visit to the country, will host a key summit between India and 14 Pacific island nations to boost bilateral ties.
In a tweet, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “PM Narendra Modi arrives at the iconic APEC House on the shores of Ella Beach in Port Moresby. Warmly welcomed by PM James Marape. The two leaders will co-host the FIPIC III Summit.” Conference, promoting regional cooperation.
According to the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, the two Prime Ministers discussed a wide range of issues, including strengthening of partnership in a number of areas, climate action as well as promoting people-to-people ties.
“The synergy of India-Papua New Guinea relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a fruitful bilateral meeting with Prime Minister James Marape. Prime Minister Modi appreciated Prime Minister Marape for co-hosting the FIPIC III Summit in Port Moresby .
“Discussions were held to strengthen partnership in the areas of trade and investment, health, capacity building and skill development and IT. Issues relating to climate action and promoting people-to-people ties were also discussed,” he said.
FIPIC was launched in 2014 during the visit of Shri Modi to Fiji. The summit will take place at a time when China is making efforts to increase its military and diplomatic influence in the region.
Posting a picture shaking hands with Mr Marape, PM Modi said on Twitter, “Prime Minister James Marape and I had very productive talks, covering the full range of bilateral relations between India and Papua New Guinea. We Discussed ways to enhance cooperation. in commerce, technology, health care and addressing climate change.”
During the meeting, Mr. Modi and Mr. Marape also launched the translation of the Tamil classic ‘Thirukkural’ into the Tok Pisin language of Papua New Guinea.
PM Modi and PM James Marape launched the translation of Tamil classic ‘Thirukkural’ into Tok Pisin language of Papua New Guinea.
“Co-authored by Subha Saseendran and Saseendran Muthuvel, Governor of West New Britain Province, the book brings Indian thought and culture closer to the people of Papua New Guinea,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Bagchi.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi met the Governor-General of Papua New Guinea, Bob Dade, at Government House.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi began the day with a warm conversation with Governor-General Sir Bob Dade at the historic Government House in Papua New Guinea. Underscored the importance of India-Papua New Guinea relations and development partnership between the two countries. ” Foreign Ministry spokesman Bagchi said on Twitter.
Prime Minister Modi posted pictures of his meeting with Governor-General Dade on his official Twitter handle.
Mr Modi said, “I had a wonderful meeting with the Governor-General of Papua New Guinea, Sir Bob Dade. We talked about ways to deepen bilateral relations between our countries in various fields.”
Indian Prime Minister reached Port Moresby on Sunday evening from Japan where he attended the program g7 summit Had bilateral meetings with advanced economies and several world leaders.
His visit to Papua New Guinea on the second leg of his three-nation tour is the first by any Indian Prime Minister. He was received at the airport by Prime Minister James Marape, who touched his feet as a mark of respect.
Usually Papua New Guinea does not formally welcome any leader who arrives after sunset. But a special exception was made for Prime Minister Modi and he was accorded a ceremonial welcome.
Leaders of 14 countries will participate in the FIPIC summit. Normally all these rarely meet together due to connectivity and other issues, sources said.
FIPIC includes the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.