Papua New Guinea seeks US investment and energy security relief

During the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape met with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau to discuss bilateral cooperation. Prime Minister Marape called for increased United States private-sector investment in Papua New Guinea’s energy, mining, petroleum, and infrastructure sectors to drive economic growth and job creation.

A primary focus of the discussion was energy security. Marape highlighted the economic pressure caused by high global fuel prices and urged for more support in reducing fuel costs, including the development of a joint fuel-storage facility. He also welcomed the U.S. $60 million Pacific Regional Energy Security Initiative, suggesting that funding be directed toward local solar projects to decrease reliance on fossil fuel imports.

Additionally, Prime Minister Marape raised concerns regarding travel barriers, specifically requesting that the United States move away from using punitive cash bonds for Papua New Guinean travelers in favor of modern digital border screening. Deputy Secretary Landau stated that the Pacific remains a strategic priority for the United States and committed to reviewing the grievances regarding travel bonds with Washington officials.