Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has urged New Zealand to increase the number of Papua New Guineans working under its Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) Labour Mobility Scheme. The request was made during a bilateral meeting with New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, held on August 28, at the 53rd Pacific Islands Leaders' Forum in Tonga. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing cooperation between Papua New Guinea and New Zealand, particularly in labor mobility and resource development. This collaboration will emphasize sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, ensuring that new projects minimize their environmental impact. Prime Minister Luxon acknowledged the contributions of Papua New Guinean workers, noting their reliability and good performance in New Zealand's labor mobility program. He confirmed that his government is working on increasing the number of workers allowed under the RSE scheme. Marape assured that his government is focused on preparing workers for their roles abroad. He highlighted efforts to provide coaching and orientation for workers heading to New Zealand or Australia, aiming to ensure their smooth integration into new environments. The meeting also touched on post-COVID-19 economic recovery, with both leaders discussing planned resource development projects and their potential impacts on the environment.