Remarks of the
Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo for the
Joint Press Conference with
Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko of Papua New Guinea
04 April 2024
Hon. Justin Tkatchenko, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Papua New Guinea,
Ambassador Betty Palaso, Colleagues in Government,
Colleagues in the delegation of Papua New Guinea, Friends in media,
Ladies and gentlemen, Good afternoon.
It is my great pleasure to welcome here in Manila our friends from the Independent State of Papua New Guinea headed by Foreign Minister, the Honorable Justin Tkatchenko. His presence here today is a milestone in the long-standing friendship between the Philippines and Papua New Guinea which commenced formally when we became one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Papua New Guinea on 16 September 1975.
Our immediate extension of friendship during this crucial stage in Papua New Guinea’s history reflects our own independence journey and our steadfast belief that a country’s destiny lies with its people. While approximately 3,000 kilometers apart, our two proud maritime democracies share common values and realities that serve as impetus for closer and more productive bilateral engagement. The importance we place on family, the diversity of our peoples and languages, our geographic configuration, the richness of our biodiversity, and the abundance of natural resources are all significant commonalities in charting a steady and fruitful course to our bilateral ties.
Today, our engagements cover important aspects such as air services, tourism, labor, agriculture, fisheries, trade, and formal discussions on common issues of concern or interest. But as friends, as partners, and as members of the Pacific family, we must take advantage of the potential such as mitigating and adapting to climate change, and disaster risk reduction and management, that this partnership has to offer.
This desire to amplify our countries’ bonds received a further boost when Foreign Minister Tkatchenko and I signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Policy Consultation in November 2023 during the APEC meeting in San Francisco. Indeed, both Foreign Minister Tkatchenko and I strongly believe that the inaugural policy consultation that will commence this afternoon is another milestone that can fully harness the potential of our friendship, strengthen our existing brotherly connection, and identify further areas of cooperation, and I am happy to hear that the Foreign Minister refers to the Philippines as a key development partner of choice.
To this end, I assured Foreign Minister Tkatchenko that the Philippines is committed to being a steadfast partner of Papua New Guinea, a pathfinder and peacemaker in promoting regional peace, stability, and common prosperity under the framework of international law.
On the economic front, we agreed to explore ways to enhance, promote, and strengthen our two-way trade and investment. Due attention shall be accorded to areas of mutual interest such as agriculture and fisheries. Accordingly, as maritime nations, we look forward to maintaining our excellent working relationship on maritime sustainability and biodiversity conservation. Our respective agencies shall work towards the renewal and enhancement of the existing Memorandum of Understanding on Fisheries Cooperation.
Both our countries share the same interests in upholding international law, particularly the UNCLOS, and I updated the Foreign Minister on challenges faced by the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.
Finally, we will continue to find strength in our robust people-to-people connections and linkages which for the Philippines is anchored by the 35,000-strong Filipinos in Papua New Guinea. Their industry, perseverance, and patented professionalism continue to contribute to the economic and social well-being of both our countries, and we thank the government of Papua New Guinea for its sustained efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the Filipino nationals in Papua New Guinea. On the other hand, the Philippines looks forward to welcoming more visitors, assisting more entrepreneurs, and hosting more students from PNG, as well as sharing best practices with Papua New Guinea, in the coming years.
As part of the preparations for the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Papua New Guinea next year, the Foreign Minister and I discussed the pursuit for a heightened level of bilateral and multilateral engagements worthy of our historical bond and the immense possibilities that the future offers for this decades-long partnership.
I am confident that the Philippines and Papua New Guinea will be able to carry forward this positive outlook on our bilateral relations, put into action our optimism for the future of the Pacific, and achieve our goal of inclusive prosperity and sustainable development for our peoples.
Thank you.