EU and Papua New Guinea: First Partnership Dialogue under the Samoa Agreement
The European Union and Papua New Guinea (PNG) held their first “Partnership Dialogue” under Art. 3 of the new Partnership Agreement between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States and the EU (“Samoa Agreement”) on 12 February in Brussels.
The EU and PNG took stock of bilateral cooperation since the last (Political) Dialogue under the then Cotonou Agreement took place in February 2023 in Port Moresby and updated each other on key development. Both parties underlined their firm commitment to further deepening and strengthening their partnership in upholding the rules-based international order, with the UN at its core. They emphasised the importance of ensuring that multilateralism is effective and inclusive, particularly in addressing challenges related to climate change, economic uncertainties, and respective regional security.
Both sides underlined the importance of addressing the consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
They also stressed the importance of economic security while fostering an ambitious green and resilient transition within their borders and globally.
The Partnership Dialogue also reflected the importance that the EU and PNG attach to their shared values, including the rule of law, democracy, and human rights. PNG presented the latest progress it made in the fields of good governance and protection of human rights.
The EU and PNG reviewed key areas of partnership and cooperation at bilateral and multilateral level, including progress in the implementation of development programmes under the Global Europe Instrument (NDICI) and the perspectives under the Global Gateway strategy.
Furthermore, discussions focused on global issues of importance, including Climate Change, Environment and Ocean governance/fisheries. With regard to trade, the EU and PNG discussed the current state of the interim Economic Partnership Agreement (iEPA), concluded between the EU and several Pacific Island countries and the benefits that it generates for both sides.
The meeting was co-chaired by Mr Erik Kurzweil, Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific, EEAS, and Elias Rahuromo Wohengu, Secretary for Foreign Affairs of PNG.