Prime Minister (PM) James Marape expressed gratitude towards the German Government and people for the continued relations that Germany has with Papua New Guinea (PNG), based on historic significance. During a recent bilateral meeting that was held at the APEC Terminal in Port Moresby city, PM Marape’s discussions with Beate Grzeski; Ambassador of Germany to Australia, Nauru, PNG, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, were centered on strengthening ties between the two nations. As part of fostering stronger bilateral relations with Germany going forward, Marape extended a warm invitation for Germany to establish a full-time embassy in PNG, in which it can be offered as Special Economic Zone status. “PNG and Germany, we share a unique bond between us historically. Given Papua was colonized by the British, the New Guinea side was looked after by the Germans. Not only that but Germany has countless footprints right across PNG, especially in terms of names of places and people. “My government wants to enliven that piece of history and strengthen the unique bond between us as we near our fifty years of Independence as a nation next year.” In saying this, PM Marape also extended an invitation for a representative from Germany to be present at the fifty years anniversary celebrations for PNG next year. Moreover, the Prime Minister encouraged German business investment in PNG, given the backdrop of PNG’s existing significant relations with Southeast Asia, the main Asian continent and beyond, which he says can be accessible for German and other investors in the country as they engage with PNG. Ambassador Grzeski acknowledged PM Marape for the discussions held during the bilateral meeting, agreeing to the unique ties shared between the two nations and for strengthening the relationship. She highlighted that following Germany’s first establishment by way of a mission office in the South Pacific Region in Suva, Fiji, they are also considering PNG as the ideal destination in the Region to make their presence known going forward.