Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape called PM Narendra Modi leader of Global South and said that the Island nation will rally behind India’s leadership at global forums. “We are victims of global powerplay... You (PM Modi) are the leader of Global South. We will rally behind your (India) leadership at global forums: James Marape, PM of Papua New Guinea.
Speaking at the 3rd India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit, he also thanked PM Modi for assuring that he will advocate on issues that relate to the Global South in the G20 this year. “We all come from a shared history. A history of being colonised. History that holds the nations of Global South together. I thank you (PM Modi) for assuring me in the bilateral meeting that as you host G20 this year you will advocate on issues that relate to the Global South,” James Marape said.
PM Modi, who is in Papua New Guinea, held talks with Governor General of Papua New Guinea Bob Dadae at the historic Government House on Monday in Port Moresby, the Ministry of External Affairs said. As the two sides held talks, they also underlined the significance of India, Papua New Guinea ties and development partnership between the two countries.
Taking to Twitter, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi wrote, "PM @narendramodi starts off the day in Papua New Guinea with a warm conversation with Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae at the historic Government House. Underlined the significance of - ties and development partnership between the two countries."
Following his meeting with the PNG Governor-General, PM Modi arrived at the iconic APEC House located on the shores of Ela Beach in Port Moresby, where he was welcomed by the NPG Prime Minister James Marape. The two leaders co-hosted the FIPIC III Summit, fostering regional cooperation.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Papua New Guinea (PNG) on Sunday, a rare moment was seen at the Port Moresby airport where PNG Prime Minister James Marape touched his feet and sought his blessings. PM Modi arrived in the Indo-Pacific country on the second leg of his three-country visit.
Upon PM Modi's arrival, the Indian national anthem was played and the two prime ministers stood still in respect. PM Modi was also accorded a guard of honour on his arrival. This is PM Modi's first tour to PNG, as well as the first-ever visit by any Indian Prime Minister to the Indo-Pacific country. Usually, Papua New Guinea doesn't give a ceremonial welcome to any leader coming after sunset. But the nation made a special exception for PM Modi, and a fully studded ceremonial welcome was given to him.