Briefing media about the visit, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The Australian Prime Minister will also host a dinner for Mr Modi. He said, the Prime Minister will call on Governor General David Hurley. Mr Kwatra said, Mr Modi will also meet leading CEOs and also address the Indian community.
Briefing about Prime Minister’s visit to Papua New Guinea, the Foreign Secretary said, Forum for India-Pacific Islands cooperation FIPIC Summit has helped deepen considerably India’s engagement, scope, breadth, and intensity with the Pacific Islands Nations across various domains. He said, today’s summit was an opportunity for leaders of Pacific Islands countries to share their views on regional priorities and interests and engagement with India.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Fiji’s Highest Civilian Honour “The Companion of the Order of Fiji” for his global leadership. Mr Modi received the medal from his Fiji counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka.
In a tweet, Mr Modi thanked Mr Rabuka for the award. He also expressed his gratitude to the people and government of Fiji. He said, It is an honour for the people of India and a recognition of the strong ties between both countries.
Governor-General Bob Dadae of Papua New Guinea also bestowed upon Mr. Modi the nation’s highest civilian award, the Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu. He received the award for championing the cause of unity of Pacific Island countries and spearheading the cause of global south.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, held a meeting with his Papua New Guinea counterpart James Marape and discussed a broad range of bilateral relations.
In a tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Prime Minister James Marape and he had very productive talks, covering the full range of bilateral relations between India and Papua New Guinea (PNG). Mr Modi said he and his counterpart discussed ways to augment cooperation in commerce, technology, healthcare, and in addressing climate change.
Prime Minister Modi also held talks with the island nation’s Governor-General Bob Dadae separately and stressed strengthening the partnership between the two countries across multiple sectors. In a tweet, Mr Modi said he had a wonderful meeting with Governor General of Papua New Guinea, Sir Bob Dadae, and talked about ways to deepen bilateral relations between both nations across different sectors.
The Prime Minister arrived in Papua New Guinea yesterday evening from Japan where he attended the summit of the G7 advanced economies and held bilateral meetings with several world leaders.
His visit to Papua New Guinea on the second leg of his three-nation tour is the first ever by any Indian prime minister. He was received at the airport by Prime Minister James Marape who touched his feet as a mark of respect.
