Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau visited Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on Monday and Tuesday to mark two major milestones: the 50th anniversary of Papua New Guinea’s independence and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Papua New Guinea and the United States. During his visit, Deputy Secretary Landau met with several Pacific Island leaders to discuss ongoing cooperation in economic and security matters.
According to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, “Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau traveled to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on Monday and Tuesday to celebrate Papua New Guinea’s 50th Anniversary of Independence and 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with the United States, and to meet with Pacific Islands leaders. The Deputy Secretary underscored the deep ties between the United States and the Pacific Islands region, as well as our shared economic and security priorities. During a series of meetings with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape, Federated States of Micronesia President Wesley Simina, Fiji Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, Crown Prince of Tonga Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, and other Pacific Islands Forum leaders, the Deputy Secretary discussed ideas to expand cooperation with the United States on economic and security matters including attracting U.S. private sector investment and countering illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, building on the longstanding partnership under the South Pacific Tuna Treaty.”
Landau emphasized new regional initiatives during his engagements. He noted that Fiji has been selected by the Millennium Challenge Corporation for a compact program while Tonga was chosen for a threshold program. The visit also included announcements about increased collaboration on digital connectivity through projects such as undersea cables and terrestrial infrastructure improvements. Additionally, $5 million in new funding will be provided by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency for infrastructure development in key sectors across the Pacific.
The Deputy Secretary also announced programs aimed at supporting responsible critical mineral development as well as research into deep seabed exploration.
