Washington, 18 May 2023 (GNP): President Joe Biden of the United States calls to James Marape, the President of Papua New Guinea (PNG), to personally inform him that Secretary of Secretary of state Antony Blinken would be visiting the Pacific islands nation in his place. This call came after President Biden canceled a significant meeting that was scheduled to take place between the two leaders.
The cancellation came as a disappointment for the Pacific islands’ leaders who were set to gather in Papua New Guinea on Monday to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a prominent delegation from the United States.
President Biden’s withdrawal from the visit to Papua New Guinea was attributed to the ongoing debt ceiling negotiations taking place in Washington. However, some have viewed this decision as detrimental to U.S. diplomatic efforts in the region.
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The original agenda for President Biden’s visit included a meeting with 18 leaders from the Pacific Islands Forum, the primary bloc in the region, and the signing of a defense cooperation agreement with Papua New Guinea. Despite the cancellation, President Marape announced during a press conference on Thursday that President Biden personally contacted him and extended an invitation to attend a summit focused on the U.S. and Pacific islands, scheduled to take place in Washington in September.
The White House released a statement detailing President Biden’s explanation for the cancellation. It stated that Biden made the call from Air Force One, emphasizing the urgent need to ensure Congress took necessary steps to prevent a default.
The statement further emphasized the United States’ unwavering commitment to strengthening the alliance with the Pacific Islands.
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The defense cooperation pact between the United States and Papua New Guinea faced criticism from certain opposition politicians who expressed concerns about its potential impact on PNG’s trade relations with China.
However, President Marape reassured that the agreement would not compromise the country’s foreign policy principle of maintaining friendly relations with all nations.
Marape clarified that while a framework agreement would be signed, the specific details regarding the presence of military personnel, engagement of contractors, and handling of airport and port-related issues would be further developed and addressed.
Overall, President Biden’s phone call to President Marape aimed to maintain diplomatic ties and assure the Pacific islands of the United States’ ongoing commitment to the region.
