Papua New Guinea’s Foreign Minister, Justin Tkatchenko, has reiterated the country’s dedication to supporting New Caledonia’s political progress and fostering Melanesian unity. His remarks were made following a bilateral meeting on Monday, where PNG Prime Minister James Marape engaged with Alcide Ponga, the President of New Caledonia, during Ponga’s official visit to Papua New Guinea.
Tkatchenko emphasized the deep historical and cultural connections between Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia, noting that although formal diplomatic ties were established in 1976 with France, the two have built strong relationships through shared memberships in organizations like the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). He stated, “Our regional family is stronger together,” highlighting PNG’s continuous support for New Caledonia’s integration into the MSG framework.
The Foreign Minister also conveyed PNG’s readiness to collaborate with both New Caledonia and France under the 2018 Joint Cooperation Plan, which aims to enhance the territory’s political development. Tkatchenko reinforced the importance of respecting the aspirations of New Caledonia’s people and adhering to the governance structures established by the Nouméa Accord, indicating PNG’s willingness to share valuable insights from its own experiences in nation-building and constitutional development.
Looking ahead, Tkatchenko expressed optimism for a stable and prosperous future for New Caledonia. His statements align with broader regional initiatives that focus on promoting peace and cooperation amid ongoing challenges the territory faces. Collaborative efforts among Pacific nations, with notable diplomatic visits from leaders in New Zealand and Fiji, further demonstrate a united approach to enhancing stability in New Caledonia and addressing regional governance complexities.
These developments signify a hopeful trajectory for New Caledonia as it embarks on its political journey, buoyed by the solidarity of its Melanesian neighbors and an overarching commitment to constructive collaboration in the Pacific region.