Speaking at the opening of the Pacific Islands Summit, James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, said that India is the leader of the so-called global south, a term used to refer to some low- and middle-income countries. In his speech, he also spoke about the fact that the population of the region lags behind in terms of development.
Modi told the 14 leaders of the Indo-Pacific Islands Cooperation Forum that his country will be a reliable partner for small island nations amid challenges from supply chain disruptions and climate change. He said India was committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Earlier, Modi took to social media to discuss ways to increase cooperation in trade, technology, health and climate change during a bilateral meeting with Marape on Monday.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken will also meet during the day with leaders of Pacific countries,
The Secretary of State is expected to sign the Defense Cooperation Agreement between the United States and Papua New Guinea,
In the afternoon he will also participate in the Pacific Island Leaders’ Meeting. He also signs a document allowing US Coast Guard ships with local officials on board to patrol the island nation’s exclusive economic zone.
US President Joe Biden had originally planned to continue his trip to Papua New Guinea after the Hiroshima summit of the Group of Seven most advanced industrial nations, but had to cancel it due to a row over the US budget.
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape revealed earlier that the agreement will allow the US military to use the Pacific nation’s ports and airports. The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea spoke about the security agreement made with the “best armed forces in the world,”
Within its framework, US warships may enter the territorial waters of Papua New Guinea,
In turn, the Port Moresby command gets footage from American reconnaissance satellites.
Washington will provide $45 million in new funds as it partners with Papua New Guinea to enhance economic and security cooperation, including defense equipment for the Papua New Guinea Defense Force, climate change mitigation, international crime and HIV/AIDS combat — the Department announced US State Department.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, Marabi said that according to the defense agreement, the US military presence will also increase in the next decade.
Police Chief David Manning said there was a heavy police and military presence around the capital, Port Moresby, with roads blocked and defense boats patrolling the waters around the meeting site. It is the largest gathering of international leaders in the country since the 2018 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
Protests took place in many universities against the signing of the defense cooperation agreement, for fear that it would anger China.
Marby denied that this hinders Papua New Guinea’s cooperation with China, an important trading partner. China, which in recent years has been a major provider of infrastructure to the Pacific Islands, signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands last year, raising concerns in the United States and its allies about Beijing’s intentions. The region covers vital sea routes.
The local government said earlier that the US defense agreement will bolster Papua New Guinea’s defense infrastructure and capabilities after decades of neglect.
Cover image source: Getty Images
