Prime Minister James Marape is expected to attend several more meetings in Hong Kong and China including a Official State Visit to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

But before the visit to China, Marape will travel to USA this today to attend the U.S-Pacific Islands Forum Summit.

With Marape’s increased overseas travels, former Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill said it’s surprising to see Prime Minister James Marape head off overseas yet again.

O’Neill said it is worrying when Marape failed to attend the most important dedication of our country’s 48th anniversary, but instead travelled to Tari then flying overseas.

However, Marape said his travels overseas is for national interest and the visit to US is necessary as PNG’s national security takes precedence.

Marape attends the inaugural PNG-Asia Mining & Petroleum Investment Conference in Hong Kong on 16 October and the 3rd Belt & Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, China on 17 October.

In both conferences, Marape will deliver keynote addresses then depart for the People’s Republic of China on his Official State Visit to meet President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in bilateral meetings, and attend the forum where he will deliver another statement.

Marape is expected to advocate for Pacific Island Counties being affected by effects of Climate Change at a Chinese university .