Prime Minister Modi holds bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea

Port Moresby:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart from Papua New Guinea held a bilateral meeting Monday in Port Moresby and discussed cooperation in trade, technology and healthcare as well as the fight against climate change.

“Synergize India-Papua New Guinea relations. Prime Minister @narendramodi held a fruitful bilateral meeting with Prime Minister James Marape. Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Marape for co- organized the FIPIC III summit in Port Moresby,” the official spokesperson for the Department of External Affairs said. wrote Arindam Bagchi on Twitter.

Calling the talks productive, Prime Minister Modi said they covered the entire bilateral relationship between India and Papua New Guinea.

Discussions focused on strengthening partnerships in the sectors of trade and investment, health, capacity building and skills development and IT. The two sides also discussed issues related to climate action and promoting people-to-people ties.

“Prime Minister James Marape and I had very productive talks, covering the full spectrum of bilateral relations between India and Papua New Guinea. We discussed ways to increase cooperation in areas of trade , technology, healthcare and the fight against climate change,” Prime Minister Modi tweeted.

Prime Minister James Marape and I had very productive talks, covering the full spectrum of bilateral relations between India and Papua New Guinea. We discussed ways to increase cooperation in trade, technology, healthcare and the fight against climate change. pic.twitter.com/cKWpyYmdtc

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 22, 2023

Additionally, the two leaders have also launched a translation of the Tamil classic “Thirukkural” into the Tok Pisin language of Papua New Guinea.

The book, which was launched by the Prime Ministers of India and Papua New Guinea, was co-authored by Subha Sasindran and Governor Sasindran Muthuvel of West New Britain Province.

“Indian Diaspora stays alive in touch with the homeland! Prime Minister @narendramodi and Prime Minister James Marape have launched a translation of the Tamil classic ‘Thirukkural’ into the Tok Pisin language of Papua New Guinea,” Arindam tweeted. Bagchi.

“Co-authored by Ms. Subha Sasindran and Governor Sasindran Muthuvel of West New Britain Province, the book brings Indian thought and culture closer to the people of Papua New Guinea,” the MEA spokesperson tweeted.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Papua New Guinea Governor-General Bob Dadae at the historic government residence in Port Moresby on Monday, the External Affairs Ministry said.

During their talks, the two sides also stressed the importance of India-Papua New Guinea relations and the development partnership between the two countries.

Taking to Twitter, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi wrote: “Prime Minister @narendramodi starts the day in Papua New Guinea with a warm conversation with Governor General Sir Bob Dadae at the historic Government House underlined the importance of the ties and development partnership between the two countries.

Following his meeting with the Governor General of PNG, Prime Minister Modi arrived at the iconic APEC House on the shores of Ela Beach in Port Moresby, where he was greeted by NPG Premier James Marape.

Prime Minister Modi has arrived in the Indo-Pacific country on the second leg of his three-country visit.

As Prime Minister Modi arrived, the Indian national anthem was played and the two prime ministers stood still in respect. Prime Minister Modi was also granted a guard of honor upon his arrival.

This is Prime Minister Modi’s first tour of PNG, as well as the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Indo-Pacific country. Usually, Papua New Guinea does not solemnly welcome a ruler who comes after sunset. But the nation made a special exception for PM Modi, and an all-studded ceremonial welcome was given to him.

A traditional folk dance performance was also held outside the airport to welcome PM Modi to PNG.

(Except for the title, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)