Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has formally welcomed Türkiye’s plans to establish a permanent embassy in the country, during a courtesy call at the Melanesian House in Port Moresby yesterday.

Marape described the meeting as a historic milestone in bilateral relations.

He added that Türkiye plans to establish its regional base in Port Moresby for engagement with other Pacific countries.

The Ambassador held a bilateral discussion with the Prime Minister on fostering stronger diplomatic, economic, and development cooperation.

In supporting Türkiye’s diplomatic establishment, including facilitating land for an embassy site, Marape highlighted PNG’s intention to establish a mission in Türkiye in the future.

He said that this new diplomatic relationship would promote a stronger trade, investment, and people-to-people ties. Climate change, environmental protection, and sustainable development are other areas PNG is interested in expanding, Marape noted.

Due to PNG's strategic location, leadership, and development potential, it was selected as Türkiye's first diplomatic base, according to Ambassador Bilgin Ozkan. She reaffirmed that Port Moresby will serve as Türkiye’s regional hub for its engagement in the Pacific.

Both sides agreed to explore further cooperation including trade, investment and possible visa facilitation to support closer ties.

Diplomatic relations between Papua New Guinea and Türkiye were established in 1979, with Türkiye now officially opening its first resident embassy in Port Moresby.