Papua New Guinea opened it’s newest embassy in Jerusalem on Tuesday this week, becoming the first Pacific Island Country to do so.

This move makes PNG the fourth nation in the world to open a fully-fledged diplomatic mission in the Israeli capital.

“I thank Prime Minister Netanyahu and his Government for facilitating the establishment of the PNG Resident Embassy in Jerusalem as it will ensure smooth and practical flow of our relations to support our socio-economic development,” said Marape.

However back home, PNG Opposition Leader Joseph Lelang says Jerusalem is a disputed territory between Palestine and Israel and opening an embassy in a disputed area may not be a wise move.

” While the Government of the day has the authority to open our foreign mission there. There is a reason why the rest of the world have decided not to move their embassies from Tel Avi to Jerusalem,” said Lelang.

However the PNG Government said its decision to open an Embassy is a sovereign decision based on Papua New Guinea’s Christian principles and worldview that emanate from Israel’s Judaism religion which emphasizes respect, empathy, tolerance and acceptance for humankind.

“Papua New Guinea chose to join United States, Kosovo, Guatamala and Honduras in opening its Embassy in Jerusalem in acknowledgement of our Judeo-Christian worldview that Jerusalem is historically the headquarter of the nation and the people of Israel,” said Marape.

Marape added that Israel is no ordinary nation. From the Judeo-Christian worldview, it is the foundation nation in giving to the world many of the moral principles that we carry as Christians today.

“The value of Christianity is immeasurable. Character of nations are built by values and moral principles, and Christianity – which is deeply embedded in Israel’s faith of Judaism – gives to us our values and moral principles. Papua New Guinea finds its Christian heritage in this country, Israel; as we uphold these values and continue to believe in the God of Israel,” said Marape

The PNG Government will now be identifying a suitable land in Port Moresby for the establishment of a Israeli Embassy.

Related: https://insidepng.com/israeli-businesses-offered-land/