Prime Minister James Marape hosted a warm culturally-enriched dinner over the weekend as recognition and to express his overwhelming gratitude to the Pacific Rugby Team’s participation in the 2023 Pacific Championship Bowl Tournament. During that time, PM James Marape took the time to emphasize the significance of the “Pacific Family” and to appreciate and recognize the presence of the Cook Islands and full Fiji team and staff in PNG. In addition, the dinner was set out as a farewell event for the Cook Islands men and women’s team, who had spent two memorable weeks participating in the tournament in Port Moresby. Fiji however will remain and as they are set to play this upcoming weekend against PNG. James Marape also emphasized the potential opportunities between PNG and the pacific Islands when PNG succeeds in securing its bid for the 18th Australia National Rugby League team. Pacific players can be essential members of the PNG team who will be based in PNG. Furthermore, stressing the relationship forged before and during the tournament between the pacific regions through sports, expressing a promising future for future potential athletes across the pacific Region. “As Cook Islands leave, I want to say thank you very much for being with us over the last two weeks on behalf of the of the entire 800 plus tribes in PNG, including the Motu-Koita people on whose land we stay today.” “Most of you are young, in your 20’s, and have miles ahead of you to prosper.” PM’s words embraced pacific nations as family and established mutual trust and promoting purpose among the pacific nations, celebrating successfully the Pacific Championship Bowl and the promising future ahead for rugby league and sports in the regions.