Commissioner Síkela concludes two-day visit to PNG and signs 125 million kina support programme

During his visit at the eve of the Golden Jubilee, Commissioner Síkela engaged in bilateral discussions with the Prime Minister, Hon. James Marape together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Justin Tkatchenko, as well the Minister for National Planning, Hon. Ano Pala, the Treasurer, Hon. Ian Ling-Stuckey, and Minister for Justice & Attorney-General Hon. Pila Niningi. 

The meetings aimed to reinforce the EU-PNG partnership, including through the EU Global Gateway strategy. This strategy aims at leveraging European expertise and resources to drive sustainable development and improve infrastructure, aligning with both local and regional objectives. The discussions focused on advancing investment projects in the water sector and the Rabaul port rehabilitation. 

Commissioner Síkela said; Papua New Guinea is a strategic partner for the European Union. Our relationship is anchored in trade, development, and shared priorities such as climate resilience, sustainable growth, and good governance.

In collaboration with  Minister for National Planning, Ano Pala, Commissioner Síkela endorsed a new major €25.6 million budget support program (approximately PGK 125 million).  This support to the general budget is designed to advance sustainable forest management, address climate change challenges, improve access to clean water, and enhance governance. This marks an important milestone in the joint effort of the European Union and Papua New Guinea for the achievement of the country development ambitions and the Sustainable Development Goals.

EUinPNG