Politics

PM Modi holds talks with Papua New Guinea counterpart James Marape on ways to strengthen cooperation

PM Modi and James Marape discussed ways to further strengthen India-Papua New Guinea ties in host of sectors

May 22, 2023

India-Papua New Guinea to boost ties as PM Modi makes maiden visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held talks with his Papua New Guinea counterpart James Marape on ways to augment cooperation in commerce, technology, and healthcare, as well as addressing climate change.

PM Modi delivered a powerful address at the 3rd India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit. PM Modi extended complete support to Papua New Guinea, which deemed itself a “victim of global powerplay” at the hands of leading nations.

PM Modi said, “India is proud to be your development partner. You can count on India as a reliable partner. We are ready to share our experiences and capabilities with you without hesitation. We believe in multilateralism and support a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific”

the Indian Prime Minister shared India’s strong belief in multilateralism and collectively solving global issues, stating that the world should abide by the motto- ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future‘. PM Modi quoted ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam‘ (The World Is One Family) and said that the global south must have a strong voice that reverberates across the world.

Taking to Twitter on Monday morning, he said: “Prime Minister James Marape and I had very productive talks, covering the full range of bilateral relations between India and Papua New Guinea. We discussed ways to augment cooperation in commerce, technology, healthcare, and in addressing climate change.”

Also in a tweet, the Prime Minister’s Office said: “PM Narendra Modi had a bilateral meeting with PM Marape. The leaders discussed ways to further strengthen India-Papua New Guinea ties in host of sectors.”

Earlier in the day, Modi met Governor General of Papua New Guinea Bob Dadae, following which he said: “Had a wonderful meeting with Governor General of Papua New Guinea, Sir Bob Dadae. We talked about ways to deepen bilateral relations between our nations across different sectors.”

#WATCH | We are victims of global powerplay… You (PM Modi) are the leader of Global South. We will rally behind your (India) leadership at global forums: James Marape, PM of Papua New Guinea pic.twitter.com/ZISgb2eqMj

— ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2023

The Prime Minister is on visit to Papua New Guinea for the FIPIC III Summit.

While highlighting the details of the meeting between the two leaders, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindan Bagchi, said: “Synergising India-Papua New Guinea relations. PM Modi held a fruitful bilateral meeting with PM James Marape. PM Modi expressed his appreciation to PM Marape for co-hosting the FIPIC III Summit in Port Moresby.

“Discussions covered strengthening partnerships across sectors of trade and investment, health, capacity building and skill development, and IT. Also discussed issues related to climate action and promoting people-to-people ties.”

Modi and Marape also jointly released a translation of the Tamil classic ‘Thirukkural‘ in the Tok Pisin language.

“In Papua New Guinea, PM James Marape and I had the honour of releasing the Thirukkural in Tok Pisin language. Thirukkural is an iconic work, which provides valuable insights across different subjects,” Modi said in a series of tweets.

“I would like to commend Sasindran Muthuvel Governor of the West New Britain Province and Mrs. Subha Sasindran for their effort to translate the Thirukkural in Tok Pisin. Governor Sasindran has done his schooling in Tamil while Subha Sasindran is a respected linguist,” he said.

The MEA spokesperson said: “Indian diaspora keeping alive connect with the motherland! PM Narendra Modi and PM James Marape launched a translation of the Tamil classic ‘Thirukkural’ in the Tok Pisin language of Papua New Guinea.

“Co-authored by Subha Sasindran and Governor Sasindran Muthuvel of West New Britain Province, the book brings Indian thought and culture closer to the people of Papua New Guinea.”

PM Modi arrived in Papua New Guinea on his second leg of a three-nation tour after attending G7 Summit in Japan’s Hiroshima. Prime Minister James Marape welcomed his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi by touching his feet as a mark of respect.

After his visit to Papua New Guinea, Modi will head to Sydney at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

[With Inputs from IANS]

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