New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to visit Papua New Guinea (PNG) on May 21-22. His visit is seen as a significant one as the primary focus of the visit is on the India-Pacific Islands Cooperation Summit, which is aimed at building a close partnership with the Pacific island nations. The summit also comes at a time when India, along with other nations, is strategising to counter growing Chinese belligerence in the region.
During his visit, PM Modi is also slated to meet the Indian diaspora and sign several MoUs, which would further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two nations and enhance cooperation in the field of trade, investment and cultural exchange. Ahead of PM Modi's visit, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister and acting Foreign Minister James Marape held a high-level meeting with the Indian-High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea Imbasekar Sundaramurhti and Chief Liason Officer Visvas Sapkal to discuss preparations for the visit.
PM Marape said that PM Modi would be given a red-carpet welcome with a 19-gun salute when his plane lands in Port Moresby on May 21. He will meet Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae on May 22 and hold talks with PM James Marape. Later, he will be participating in the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit. He will also meet with members of the Indian community during his visit.
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According to the statement issued by the Papua New Guinea office of the Prime Minister during the visit India and Papua New Guinea are expected to sign several agreements and exchange proposals aimed at enhancing cooperation in various fields. The Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Micro Small to Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) will strengthen economic ties between the two countries. Reciprocal visa-on-arrival arrangements and visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders will ease travel restrictions and promote people-to-people contacts.
The cultural exchange programmes, MoUs between Election Commissions and broadcasters, and ICT cooperation agreements will further deepen bilateral relations. PM Marape said that the National Executive Council has endorsed possible deliverables to be formalised when PM Modi visits. As India has been steadfast and proactive in building ties with the partners in the region, this visit is expected to further enhance bilateral cooperation with the Pacific island nations.
