At a bilateral meeting on Monday, 27 October, Prime Minister James Marape met with H.E. Alcide Ponga, President of New Caledonia, during the President’s official visit to Papua New Guinea. The meeting, also attended by France’s Ambassador to PNG, H.E. Pierre Fournier, underscored the deepening cooperation between Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, and France, framed within the broader context of Melanesian solidarity and Pacific regionalism.
Although Papua New Guinea’s formal diplomatic relations are with the Republic of France, established in 1976, its close engagement with New Caledonia has long been defined through shared membership in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). These sub-regional links continue to serve as the foundation for cooperation, dialogue, and collective action within the Melanesian family.
Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed PNG’s commitment to Melanesian unity, recognising the deep cultural and historical ties that bind the sub-region. “Our regional family is stronger together,” he said, emphasising PNG’s support for New Caledonia’s ongoing political evolution and its vital role in the MSG.
The discussions also revisited the 2018 Joint Cooperation Plan, with both leaders agreeing to explore pathways for its accelerated implementation. The plan outlines areas of collaboration in trade, education, environment, and people-to-people exchanges, representing an important framework for Melanesian partnership.
PNG reiterated its respect for the wishes of the people of New Caledonia and for the integrity of the processes established under the Nouméa Accord and the Bougival Agreement. Marape expressed PNG’s readiness to share experiences from its own nation-building and constitutional journey, should New Caledonia seek technical or governance support in the years ahead.
For PNG, engagement with New Caledonia is both principled and pragmatic. It reflects Port Moresby’s broader foreign policy posture — strengthening Pacific partnerships while championing local ownership of political and developmental processes. As the region continues to navigate shifting geopolitical interests, PNG’s reaffirmation of Melanesian solidarity sends a clear message: regional stability and prosperity must be built on mutual respect, self-determination, and shared heritage.