Papua New Guinea’s Foreign Minister, Justin Tkatchenko, reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to supporting New Caledonia’s political development and promoting Melanesian unity in the region. His comments came after a bilateral meeting on Monday between PNG Prime Minister James Marape and Alcide Ponga, President of New Caledonia, during Ponga’s official visit to PNG.
Tkatchenko emphasized the historical and cultural bonds that tie Papua New Guinea to New Caledonia, highlighting that despite formal diplomatic relations beginning in 1976 with France, strong connections have flourished through mutual membership in organizations such as the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). “Our regional family is stronger together,” he affirmed, underscoring PNG’s ongoing support for New Caledonia’s integration within the MSG framework.
Additionally, Tkatchenko expressed PNG’s readiness to work alongside New Caledonia and France to advance the 2018 Joint Cooperation Plan, which aims to facilitate the territory’s political evolution. He stressed respect for the desires of New Caledonia’s populace and the integrity of governance processes established by the Nouméa Accord, emphasizing PNG’s willingness to share its experiences in nation-building and constitutional development.
Looking towards the future, Tkatchenko expressed hope for a stable and prosperous New Caledonia. His statements resonate with broader regional efforts, aimed at fostering peace and cooperation, especially given recent challenges facing the territory. The collaborative engagements among Pacific nations, including notable visits by leaders from New Zealand and Fiji, highlight a collective effort to support stability in New Caledonia and address the complexities of governance in the region.
These initiatives point towards an optimistic outlook for New Caledonia as it navigates its political journey, reinforced by the solidarity of its Melanesian neighbors.