As PNG prepares for its National Repentance Day event on Monday, August 26th, Prime Minister James Marape will attend the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting in Tonga. The forum, set to take place from August 26-30, 2024, will see Pacific leaders discuss pressing regional issues. Before heading to Tonga, Prime Minister Marape will make a brief stopover in Niue to fulfill a longstanding Papua New Guinea Government commitment of K5 million made in 2014. “This commitment of 2014 has not been fulfilled; hence, I will be traveling there to fulfill it,” Prime Minister Marape stated. Marape emphasized the importance of the PIF as a critical gathering for Pacific leaders. "We will discuss issues of shared interest, including trade, geopolitics, climate change, recovery from the economic shocks of COVID-19, and various others,” he said. Marape is expected to return to PNG by Thursday, August 29, 2024. Addressing the concerns of PNG citizens, Marape assured that the government is committed to assisting families through the 2024 Budget. “I assure our people that this assistance will continue into 2025," he said, adding, "Your government is working very hard to address all these issues." He also reflected on the economic challenges following the events of January 10, 2024, urging citizens to maintain peace. "Let’s all work together to keep Port Moresby and Papua New Guinea safe."