A statement issued yesterday from Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko has conveyed his regret over recent comments by US President Joe Biden relating to the latter’s ‘cannibal’ remarks attributed to PNG. The US president's comments suggesting his uncle may have been eaten by cannibals in PNG during the Second World War have gone viral, sparking public debate on social media and in PNG politics. “It’s rather unfortunate that President Biden’s remarks are not supported by official documents held within the US military and the State Department.” “PNG- US relations have seen developments for better and stronger ties on the bilateral front in recent times and these apparent untrue remarks by the sitting President is a low point in our bilateral relations.” Minister Tkatchenko said there are known records proving that the president’s uncle was on a flight from Momote to Lae, over the Bismark Sea, but the flight never made it to its destination. “PNG hopes that the White House can correct this remark which has the potential to hurt our cordial relations.” “A Division of the US Military is retrieving and repatriating the remains of fallen servicemen from World War II.” “They can expand their search to also include civilians such as President Biden’s uncle.” Minister Tkatchenko further noted that much effort has been put in to reinvigorate PNG-US relations recently and uninformed remarks like this can only undermine the hard yards made and hurt the relations. The US, through its USAID, has given millions in relief aid packages, among other assistance, to PNG in recent times.