Prime Minister James Marape has travelled to Fiji on Saturday 21st June,2025, to attend the annual Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders’ Summit.
His attendance is to reaffirm Papua New Guinea’s continued leadership and commitment to Melanesian solidarity, diplomacy, and cooperation.
This year’s summit, chaired by Fiji, brings together leaders from the MSG member countries— Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and the FLNKS (Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front of New Caledonia) — to discuss a range of shared priorities including climate action, trade, regional security, and decolonization efforts.
“Papua New Guinea is a founding and senior member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group and remains steadfast in advancing Melanesian cooperation,” Prime Minister Marape said ahead of his departure.
“This summit allows us to unite around our common challenges and aspirations and speak with a stronger collective voice as a region.”
The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) was established in 1986 to strengthen political, economic, and cultural ties among Melanesian nations.
It has since become a key platform for collaboration on trade, sustainable development, regional diplomacy, and cultural identity.
Prime Minister Marape is scheduled to return to Port Moresby on Monday evening, 23rd June 2025, following the conclusion of the meeting.
During his absence, Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso will assume responsibilities as Acting Prime Minister, and Prime Minister Marape expressed his full confidence in the Deputy Prime Minister to lead government business during this short period.
“I have every confidence in Deputy Prime Minister Rosso to maintain stability and continuity while I attend this important regional meeting,” Prime Minister Marape said.