Japan-Papua New Guinea Relations

On September 16, State Minister Miyaji attended the Flag Raising Ceremony of 50th Independence Anniversary of Papua New Guinea which was held in Port Moresby as Special Envoy of Prime Minister. He also attended the breakfast hosted by Hon. Job POMAT, CMG, MP, Speaker of National Parliament of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea and held talks with the attendees.
Prior to that, State Minister Miyaji attended the 50th Independence Anniversary Dinner hosted by Hon. James MARAPE, Prime Minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea on September 15.

On September 16, State Minister Miyaji paid a courtesy call on Hon. James MARAPE, Prime Minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.
State Minister Miyaji handed over a letter from Prime Minister Ishiba to celebrate the 50th independence anniversary of Papua New Guinea as well as the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Japan and Papua New Guinea. He paid respect to the efforts made by the leaders and people of Papua New Guinea for becoming a prosperous nation over the past 50 years. He stated that Japan is pleased to have been walking side by side as a tomodachi (friend) with Papua New Guinea in the process of development of the country by working in a variety of areas of cooperation. In response, Prime Minister Marape appreciated the attendance of State Minister Miyaji at the ceremony and said that he was committed to elevating the bilateral relations to a higher level. They also discussed regional affairs.

On September 16, State Minister Miyaji held a meeting with Hon. Justin W. TKATCHENKO, CBE, BEM, OL, MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.
State Minister Miyaji stated that Japan is committed to further developing the bilateral relations based on the friendship over the past 5 decades as well as the values and principles. He also stated that he was pleased to see the announcement of Joint Statement by Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan and Minister Tkatchenko. He welcomed the signing and exchanging of the notes for the first project of OSA (Official Security Assistance) to Papua New Guinea and expressed his expectation that OSA would contribute to further development of the bilateral relations in addition to the other previous assistances. In response, Minister Tkatchenko expressed his gratitude for the Japan’s continued assistance over the past 50 years and expressed his commitment to making the bilateral relations even closer for the next 50 years to come. They also exchanged views on regional affairs.

• Announcement of Joint Statement by Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Independent State of Papua New Guinea on the Occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Diplomatic Relations (September 16, 2025)
• Official Security Assistance (OSA) (April 23, 2025)

On September 16, State Minister Miyaji and Minister Tkatchenko signed and exchanged notes for the first OSA project to Papua New Guinea. Through this project, heavy machinery for disaster relief and road construction will be provided to the Engineering Battalion of Papua New Guinea Defence Force.

• Signing and Exchange of Notes for Official Security Assistance (OSA) FY2025 Project to Papua New Guinea Defence Force (September 16, 2025)

State Minister Miyaji held meetings with representatives from other countries who were vising Port Moresby to attend the 50th Independence Anniversary Ceremony of Papua New Guinea.

On September 15, State Minister Miyaji held a meeting with His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Tupouto’a ’Ulukalala, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for His Majesty’s Armed Forces of the Kingdom of Tonga.
State Minister Miyaji expressed his gratitude for the visit of HRH Crown Prince to Japan last April to attend the National Day of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. He stated that Japan is committed to strengthening the bilateral relations based on the strong kizuna (bond of trust). He also stated that Japan would support their efforts to enhance regional connectivity and resilience to stride forward together with Pacific Island countries including through follow up on the outcome of the PALM 10 held last year. In response, HRH Crown Prince expressed his gratitude for the assistance made by the Government and people of Japan. They also discussed regional affairs.

On September 15, State Minister Miyaji made a courtesy call on Hon. Johnny KOANAPO Rasou, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Management, the Republic of Vanuatu.
State Minister Miyaji stated that responding to the earthquake which occurred last December, Japan is working on the disaster recovery and reconstruction with Japan’s know-how based on Build Back Better, and will contribute to strengthening the disaster relief mechanism in Vanuatu. He stated that Japan is committed to promoting bilateral cooperation and that Japan would support their efforts to enhance regional connectivity and resilience to stride forward together with Pacific Island countries including through follow up on the outcome of the PALM 10 held last year. In response, Deputy Prime Minister Koanapo expressed his gratitude for the assistance made by the Government and people of Japan. They also discussed regional affairs.

On September 16, State Minister Miyaji held a meeting with Hon. Peter Shanel AGOVAKA, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Solomon Islands.
State Minister Miyaji stated that Japan is committed to promoting bilateral cooperation and that Japan would support their efforts to enhance regional connectivity and resilience to stride forward together with Pacific Island countries including through follow up on the outcome of the PALM 10 held last year. In response, Minister Agovaka expressed his gratitude for the assistance made by the Government and people of Japan. They also discussed regional affairs.

State Minister Miyaji visited the Bomana War Cemetery to pay his respects and laid wreaths.

State Minister Miyaji visited the National Education Media Center (NEMC). The Government of Japan supported the construction of the NEMC and has been cooperating with the NEMC as a core of Japan’s assistance in the education sector of Papua New Guinea.

State Minister Miyaji visited the Port Moresby Sewage Treatment Plant. The Plant was completed in 2020 through Japan’s loan aid. It is contributing to the betterment of livelihood of the residents by reducing the discharge of wastewater to the nearby sea.

State Minister Miyaji held a meeting with JICA Experts and Overseas Volunteers (JOCVs) and exchanged views on cooperation and challenges in education sector in Papua New Guinea.