Papua New Guinea has reaffirmed its commitment to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko met with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, where they expressed a unified desire to end the war in Ukraine immediately.
Minister Tkatchenko emphasized, “We have similar experiences in the Second World War [WWII], and the last thing we don’t want is another war in the Pacific region.”
His sentiment highlights PNG’s historical understanding of the repercussions of conflict, especially in the context of the Pacific.
Both ministers acknowledged that in today’s globalized world, the repercussions of national conflicts resonate beyond borders, and the political and socio-economic implications of the war in Ukraine extend beyond geographical borders, impacting nations worldwide, regardless of their geography, religion, or ethnicity.
Minister Tkatchenko reaffirmed PNG’s support for Ukraine, rooted in the principle of good global citizenship and the nation’s foreign policy stance of being “Friends to All, Enemy to None.”
Minister Sybiha expressed gratitude for PNG’s continued support, assuring that Ukraine will not rest until the war is over.
The two leaders also discussed plans to establish diplomatic relations between their countries, a move that could lead to stronger ties in political, economic, and cultural areas, with Minister Sybiha extending an invitation to Tkatchenko to visit Ukraine before the end of the year, emphasizing that this visit would be an excellent opportunity to formalize their diplomatic relationship.
In turn, Minister Tkatchenko also invited Sybiha to visit PNG, highlighting the country’s rich culture and abundant natural resources, such as fisheries, minerals, and agricultural products.