Japan will support Papua New Guinea’s electrification programme, provide construction equipment for road development and help with its emergency 30-billion-yen (K1 billion) support loan.
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga assured PNG Prime Minister James Marape of his support during a virtual online bilateral summit between the two leaders recently.
“As part of our cooperation, we will move forward with the electrification progression,” Suga said.
“The Japanese Government has also decided on the provision of construction equipment for road maintenance and improvement.
“I hope that our emergency support loan (signed for in March 2021) will contribute to economic recovery in PNG.”
Mr Suga asked for PNG’s cooperation in the operation of Japanese fishing vessels, collection of remains of Japanese soldiers killed during WWII, and participation of Japanese businesses in the Papua liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.
Mr Marape said PNG was “blessed abundantly” with the relationship it had with the Japanese people and government.
“I thank the people and Government of Japan and the Japanese Emperor for continuing to ensure that PNG remains a permanent friend of Japan.
“Lately, in our Covid-19-induced hard times, the Japanese Government and people have stepped in,” he said.
Mr Marape announced that PNG’s second-biggest airport at Nadzab, Morobe, funded by the Japanese Government, would be named as “PNG-Japan Friendship Airport”.
He also assured Japan that PNG would offer its support in issues concerning North Korea and other international matters, and would assist Japan in collection of remains of WWII soldiers.
Mr Suga said Japan would be hosting the Olympic Games and Paralympics next month and looked forward to PNG’s participation.
