THE Pacific Islands Forum or PIF leaders meeting this week in Nukualofa, Tonga will discuss key issues on climate change and forest conservation.

Before departing Port Moresby on Sunday (25 August 2024),  Prime Minister James Marape said “Pacific Island countries will continue our advocacy on the impact of climate change at established countries who are big carbon emitters to ensure climate change relief funds are made available to Small Island State for climate mitigation.”

He said, “Papua New Guinea is not a Small Island State. We are a big nation but we also have small island communities amongst us who face these climate changes.”

The PIF summit will also grace the presence of United Nations Secretary General, Mr Antonia Guterres. 

PM Marape said Mr Guterres has requested specifically for Papua New Guinea to have a bilateral meeting with him.

Both leaders will discuss the progress of the Bougainville Peace Agreement; what is happening in Bougainville and PNG’s views on Forestry.

On the issue of West Papua’s ongoing struggle for independence, Prime Minister Marape said it is within the sovereignty of Indonesia to address issues relating to West Papua. 

PM Marape met with Indonesian President Elect Prabowo Subianto in Port Moresby before departing for Nukualofa. 

Prior to departure PM Marape was asked whether West Papua will be discussed openly at the summit, he responded saying just as PNG would not want its neighboring countries talking about sovereignty issues within its borders, Indonesia would not want its neighbors talking about West Papua and its sovereignty.

However, Mr Marape said all other areas of its relationship with Indonesia such as economy will be open for discussion.  Indonesia’s incoming president indicated preservation and greater respect to indigenous views on customs, culture, land rights and indigenous heritages.  But his visit was tainted when Indonesian Embassy officials banned Journalist and Benar News correspondent, Harlyne Joku from covering a joint press conference of both leaders.  

The PNG Media Council condemned the action of Indonesian Embassy officials saying it was also shameful that PNG Government officials allowed this to happen to a PNG Journalist.

Over in Tonga, Benar News has reported that the 18 member Pacific Island Forum Leaders is underway with top diplomats from key partners including China and the United States gathered for a week of talks on decolonization of New Caledonia, climate change and regional security and cohesion.