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Prime Minister Marape Reinforces PNG's Commitment At MSG
Prime Minister Marape Reinforces PNG's Commitment At MSG

Scoop

time5 days ago

  • Politics
  • Scoop

Prime Minister Marape Reinforces PNG's Commitment At MSG

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister, James Marape, arrived Sunday in Suva, Fiji, to attend the 23rd Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders' Summit. The summit, chaired by Fiji this year, brings together leaders from all Melanesian states and the FLNKS (Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front of New Caledonia) to address shared priorities such as climate action, trade, regional security, and decolonisation efforts. Prime Minister Marape is accompanied by the higher education minister, Feo Kinoka. His attendance underscores Papua New Guinea's commitment as a founding and senior member of the MSG, an organisation established in 1986 to strengthen political, economic, and cultural ties among Melanesian nations. Vanuatu has handed over its role as chairperson to Fiji. This transition preceded the formal opening of the MSG Leaders Plenary meeting and a closed-door Leaders' Retreat. Prime Minister Marape is expected to deliver Papua New Guinea's country statement, reaffirming the nation's dedication to strengthening MSG cooperation while reinforcing broader regional partnerships through the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). "The Pacific region stands at a crossroads. We must take a proactive approach to safeguarding our sovereignty, protecting our resources, and ensuring that our voices are heard on the global stage. Our collective efforts must also voice strongly against human rights abuses in our region and for respect for all our people and members of our Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), the Melanesian Spearhead Group community, and others." He is also anticipated to advocate for reforms within regional organisations to ensure they remain responsive, inclusive, and capable of meeting current and future development and security challenges. A significant aspect of Prime Minister Marape's engagement in Fiji includes high-level political talanoa consultations with the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) of the PIF. These discussions are taking place on the sidelines of the MSG Leaders' Meeting and are part of a wider regional effort led by the PIF to enhance Pacific solidarity and strategic cooperation. The talanoa process will focus on critical issues such as regional security, climate change, fisheries resource management, political governance, national sovereignty, and the institutional reforms of both regional and sub-regional groupings in the Pacific. Prime Minister Marape has consistently called for a reformed and united Pacific architecture, and he is expected to advocate for stronger collaboration between MSG members and the wider Pacific community. He has emphasised the importance of regional ownership, institutional capacity-building, and ensuring that regional decision-making remains grounded in Pacific cultural values while embracing innovation, inclusion, and resilience. The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) is present at the MSG meeting as an observer, and there have been calls for West Papua to be included as a full member of the MSG. This ongoing discussion reflects a persistent aspiration for greater recognition and self-determination for West Papua within the Melanesian family. It is understood that Prime Minister Marape will also highlight his discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron on New Caledonia. These discussions typically centre on the decolonisation process in New Caledonia and the future of the FLNKS, which is a member of the MSG, reflecting a shared regional interest in the self-determination of the Kanak people.

Pakistan, Russia agree to deepen counter-terrorism engagement
Pakistan, Russia agree to deepen counter-terrorism engagement

Express Tribune

time25-02-2025

  • Business
  • Express Tribune

Pakistan, Russia agree to deepen counter-terrorism engagement

Listen to article Pakistan and Russia have agreed to activate a counter-terrorism dialogue, strengthening security cooperation between the two nations, the interior ministry announced on Tuesday. The agreement was reached during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Russian Ambassador Albert P Khorev in Islamabad. The two officials also discussed bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest, the ministry said in a statement. Both sides decided to enhance collaboration in counter-terrorism and anti-narcotics efforts, while also increasing delegation exchanges to strengthen ties. The Russian envoy invited Pakistani officials to participate in anti-narcotics training programmes in Moscow and Siberia. Naqvi stressed that terrorism is a global challenge, requiring collective efforts to combat. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to bolstering ties with Russia, highlighting opportunities for cooperation across various sectors. Last year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had met Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in Islamabad on the sidelines of the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. During that meeting, both leaders had discussed political, economic, and defence cooperation, with Shehbaz reaffirming Pakistan's interest in strengthening ties with Russia. He also expressed appreciation for Moscow's support for Pakistan's BRICS membership bid. The two prime ministers agreed to maintain close cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, including linguistic exchanges and enhanced banking sector collaboration to facilitate trade and investment.

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