How is MoS Margherita Engaging with the Indian Community in Papua New Guinea?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- MoS Margherita's visit highlights strong bilateral ties.
- The Indian community serves as a cultural bridge.
- Commitment to enhancing economic partnerships.
- Significance of FIPIC in regional cooperation.
- Celebration of Papua New Guinea's 50th independence.
Port Moresby, Sep 15 (NationPress) Minister of State for External Affairs (MoS) Pabitra Margherita engaged with members of the Indian community in Papua New Guinea on Tuesday, describing them as a “living bridge” connecting the two nations. He praised the Indian community's role in enhancing the partnership between India and PNG.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Margherita remarked, “An uplifting evening with our dynamic Indian family in Papua New Guinea. With over 4,000 members, they serve as a living bridge between India and PNG, significantly contributing to our partnership through cultural, economic, and community efforts.”
On Monday, Margherita met with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape, extending greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India in honor of the country's 50th independence anniversary.
Margherita expressed the commitment of both nations to enhance bilateral and people-to-people connections.
“I am honored to meet Hon‘ble James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, and conveyed warm regards from PM Shri Narendra Modi ji and the citizens of India 🇮🇳 on the occasion of #PNGAt50. Both nations are dedicated to strengthening bilateral and people-to-people relations,” MoS Margherita posted on X.
Margherita arrived in Port Moresby on Monday for an official visit to Papua New Guinea, where he will represent PM Modi at the commemorative events celebrating Papua New Guinea’s 50th independence anniversary.
During this visit, MoS Margherita is anticipated to hold bilateral discussions with Papua New Guinea's political leadership, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
“Following the historic 3rd Summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in May 2023 in Port Moresby, this visit will allow us to maintain our engagement with the leadership of the Pacific Island Countries (PICs),” the MEA highlighted.
This visit builds on the momentum established by Prime Minister Modi's significant trip to Papua New Guinea in 2023, where both nations pledged to deepen bilateral relations, broaden development partnerships, and enhance defense cooperation.
PM Modi visited Port Moresby to co-host the FIPIC III Summit alongside his Papua New Guinea counterpart James Marape. Launched in 2014, FIPIC includes India and 14 Pacific Island Countries (PICs), such as Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.