Deputy Secretary of State Richard Landau and Prime Minister James Marape have signed a Framework for Strategic Cooperation, setting the course for bilateral collaboration over the next 50 years. The signing ceremony, which took place in Port Moresby, marks a significant step in strengthening the enduring partnership between the two nations, encompassing a wide range of sectors from defense to digital innovation. The event was attended by Admiral John C. Paparo, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Ann Marie Yastishock. In her remarks, Ambassador Yastishock highlighted the long-standing relationship between the United States and Papua New Guinea, which dates back to 1975. "The United States has stood with PNG since day one, in 1975." "This framework builds on five decades of cooperation based on shared values and a shared vision of the future." The strategic framework outlines a comprehensive approach to advancing mutual priorities in several critical areas, including economic development, digital technologies, infrastructure, and the extraction and processing of critical minerals. Recognizing Papua New Guinea’s rich natural resources, the document highlights the role of U.S. private sector investments in the extractives industry, with a specific focus on sustainable development, community engagement, and investment competitiveness. The agreement also emphasizes cooperation in bolstering Papua New Guinea’s cybersecurity framework, promoting trusted technology, and enhancing the country’s overall investment climate to attract greater U.S. private sector interest. Deputy Secretary Landu added that as part of the broader partnership, the framework sets the stage for continued collaboration on defense, maritime security, and law enforcement initiatives, underscoring the growing importance of U.S.-PNG defense ties in the Indo-Pacific region. "We are not just strengthening our defense ties but also laying the groundwork for innovation and economic prosperity that benefits both our nations.” In addition to the economic and technological priorities, the framework reaffirms existing defense cooperation agreements, including the 2023 Defense Cooperation and Shiprider Agreements. These initiatives, alongside the Strategic Partnership Dialogue scheduled for 2024, reinforce the two nations' shared commitment to addressing regional security challenges. The timing of the signing is particularly symbolic, as it coincides with Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary of independence, which was formally recognized by the United States on September 16, 1975. On that day, U.S. Ambassador Mary Olmsted was among the first to officially recognize the newly independent nation in a ceremony held in Papua New Guinea's Parliament. The framework not only celebrates the rich history of U.S.-Papua New Guinea relations but also sets a forward-looking agenda aimed at ensuring shared prosperity for the next five decades.