New Delhi

India and Papua New Guinea (PNG) held the second round of Foreign Office Consultations (FoC) in virtual mode on June 12, reviewing the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and discussing cooperation in multilateral forums and the Indo-Pacific region.

The first round of consultations was held in Port Moresby in 2022.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Indian delegation was led by Vishwesh Negi, Joint Secretary (Oceania), while the Papua New Guinea side was headed by Elias Wohengu, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.

During the consultations, the two sides reviewed progress in areas including development partnership, political engagement, economic cooperation and cultural exchanges. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest and discussed cooperation in multilateral forums.

"The two sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations, including development partnership, political engagement, economic cooperation and cultural ties. They also had a discussion on co-operation in Multilateral fora, Indo-Pacific and exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest," the MEA said.

Both countries expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of their relationship and agreed to further deepen collaboration across various sectors.

It was also decided that the next round of Foreign Office Consultations would be held in Port Moresby on mutually convenient dates.

India has consistently underlined its commitment to strengthening engagement with Papua New Guinea and enhancing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Last year, Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita represented Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Papua New Guinea's independence.

India established its High Commission in Port Moresby in April 1996. Prior to that, diplomatic relations with Papua New Guinea were managed through Indian missions in Suva and Kuala Lumpur.

Papua New Guinea opened its resident diplomatic mission in New Delhi in October 2006.

The two countries share warm and friendly ties and have worked closely in international platforms such as the Commonwealth, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the United Nations.

Bilateral relations have also been strengthened through high-level exchanges. Former President Pranab Mukherjee became the first Indian head of state to visit Papua New Guinea during a state visit on April 28-29, 2016, at the invitation of then Governor-General Grand Chief Sir Michael Ogio.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Port Moresby on May 21, 2023, where he co-hosted the third Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape on May 22. Leaders from 14 Pacific Island countries attended the summit.

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During the visit, Modi was conferred the Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu (GCL), Papua New Guinea's highest civilian honour.