Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Japan's newly elected Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, following his successful election as the leader of Japan’s governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Prime Minister Marape also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to outgoing Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, for his unwavering support and contribution to strengthening the bilateral relationship between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Japan during his tenure. Prime Minister Ishiba, a former Defence Minister, is set to officially assume office this week after winning the LDP leadership election last Friday, where he secured 215 votes to defeat his opponent Sanae Takachi, who had aimed to become Japan’s first female prime minister. The election was prompted by outgoing Prime Minister Kishida’s decision not to seek re-election as LDP President. “I extend my sincere congratulations to Prime Minister Hon. Shigeru Ishiba on his election. I also convey my deepest thanks to outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for his exceptional support to Papua New Guinea during his time in office,” Prime Minister Marape stated. Reflecting on the strong ties between the two nations, Prime Minister Marape highlighted the recent 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10), held in Tokyo from July 16 to 18, 2024, as a key moment in deepening the Japan-PNG relationship. In addition to attending the summit, Prime Minister Marape held a productive bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Kishida. “We had a highly constructive bilateral discussion with Prime Minister Kishida, which yielded meaningful outcomes for both Japan and Papua New Guinea. I am confident that these achievements will continue to benefit both our nations as we move forward,” PM Marape remarked. Looking ahead, PM Marape expressed his optimism about further enhancing the longstanding partnership between Japan and PNG under PM Ishiba’s leadership. He underscored Japan’s significant contribution to PNG’s development over the past 49 years, noting the over K6 billion in grants and development assistance that PNG has received from Japan “Japan has been a steadfast partner to Papua New Guinea for nearly five decades. Not only is Japan one of the top importers of our produce, but they have also provided invaluable development assistance. It is crucial that we continue to build on this foundation of mutual respect and cooperation,” PM Marape said. As PNG approaches its 50th independence anniversary next year, PM Marape highlighted the shared commitment between PNG and Japan to forge a new chapter in their relationship. He expressed hope for a transition from aid dependency to enhanced trade relations, aligning with PNG’s broader development goals. “With Prime Minister Ishiba, I look forward to exploring new frameworks for collaboration, particularly as we celebrate PNG’s 50th anniversary of independence. Our expectation is that our relationship will evolve beyond aid dependency, with a greater focus on increasing trade and economic engagement,” he concluded.