CALIFORNIA SIGNS SISTER CITY DEAL WITH POM 

Port Moresby and Long Beach City in California have officially signed a historic Sister City Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a new chapter of cultural, educational, and community exchange between Papua New Guinea and the United States of America (USA).

The signing ceremony was held at City Hall and was attended by key dignitaries including Chair-Elect of Sister Cities International Mr. Carlo Capua, Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy Mr. Andy Covington, NCD Governor Powes Parkop, Port Moresby City Manager Mr. Ravu Frank, and Director of Community Engagement for the City of Long Beach Mr. Jeff Williams.

Governor Powes Parkop said the agreement was a significant milestone in Port Moresby’s efforts to connect globally and foster people-to-people partnerships.

“Port Moresby has benefitted immensely from sister city ties in the past, and without a doubt, we will benefit in a big way through this association with Long Beach City,” Parkop said. “This relationship will promote cultural understanding, educational enrichment, community engagement and peace, all essential components of development.”

Governor Parkop noted that despite the challenges of urbanization, the city remains committed to learning from more established cities like Long Beach, especially in areas such as disaster resilience, city planning, and inclusive development.

Mr. Capua described the event as the culmination of years of groundwork and said the agreement symbolized “destiny” rather than coincidence.

“Sister Cities International was founded by US President Dwight D. Eisenhower after World War II to promote peace through friendship. Today, Port Moresby and Long Beach became part of that mission,” Capua said.

“This moment has been in the making for years which from my first visit to Papua New Guinea in 2001, to recent discoveries like the WWII plane wreck in Madang, it all led us here.”

Mr. Andy Covington said the Sister Cities agreement reflects the strength of grassroots diplomacy.

“Some of the most enduring diplomacy happens not in government halls but through everyday people — students, artists, community leaders. This agreement is not symbolic, it’s real and lasting,” Covington said.

Also in attendance was a delegation from Poplar, Wisconsin, who signed a similar Sister City agreement with Madang earlier this week. The agreements come as Papua New Guinea and the United States celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations and approach PNG’s 50th independence anniversary in September.

Mr. Jeff Williams said Long Beach and Port Moresby shared many similarities as port cities with diverse communities and emerging tourism industries.

“Every event this week has been a reminder of how connected our cities are. We are excited to grow this partnership,” Williams said.

As the ceremony concluded, Governor Parkop extended an invitation to the delegation to attend PNG’s Independence celebrations in September, promising a vibrant showcase of the country’s more than 800 cultures.

“We are the gateway to all of Papua New Guinea. This is only the beginning,” Parkop concluded.