Deputy Prime Minister Hon. John Rosso, accompanied by a delegation of senior ministers and government officials from Papua New Guinea, participated in the first-ever PNG-USA Strategic Partnership Dialogue in Washington, DC earlier this month.
This historic meeting marks the first bilateral dialogue between Papua New Guinea and the United States, signaling the beginning of a new era in the diplomatic and strategic relations between the two countries.
The dialogue underscored the shared commitment of both nations to deepening their partnership across a range of critical areas, including economic cooperation, security, education and training, business investment and climate change.
The discussions highlighted the mutual benefits of strengthening these ties and the importance of a close, ongoing partnership between Papua New Guinea and the United States.
Deputy Prime Minister Rosso expressed his gratitude to the US government for hosting the dialogue, describing it as a crucial step forward in enhancing Papua New Guinea's international partnerships and addressing some of our country's most pressing challenges.
One of the key focuses of the visit was improving internal security and sovereign assistance to combat illegal fishing, drug smuggling and illegal trade on high seas. During their time in Washington, the PNG delegation had interactions with the US Department of Homeland Security and the US Coast Guard of whom we have a ship-riders agreement with.
These visits provided valuable insights into security frameworks that could be adapted to strengthen Papua New Guinea’s internal security systems.
Discussions were held on capacity-building opportunities and collaborative efforts to address transnational crime, maritime security, and intelligence sharing.
“This dialogue is a significant milestone in our relations with the United States. It is the first of what we hope will be many such discussions as we build a strategic and mutually beneficial partnership.
“From trade and investment to security and environmental cooperation, the opportunities for collaboration are vast, and look forward to strengthening these partnership.” Deputy Prime Minister Rosso said.
The dialogue also covered key areas of economic growth, with both countries agreeing to explore further cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and trade. The importance of collaboration on climate change and environmental protection was reaffirmed, with both parties committing to working together on sustainable development initiatives.
“Education and capacity building were also central topics of discussion, with both sides expressing interest in expanding exchanges and training programs to enhance skill development in Papua New Guinea.” Deputy Prime Minister Rosso explained.
The first PNG-USA Strategic Partnership Dialogue marks the beginning of a formal, structured approach to bilateral engagement. The dialogue paves the way for closer cooperation and underscores both nations' commitment to achieving shared goals of peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
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