Prime Minister James Marape has thanked the Government and people of France for their warm hospitality and enduring friendship with Papua New Guinea during a luncheon hosted in Paris on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, with members of the French National Assembly and senior French officials.
Ahead of the luncheon, Marape and the Papua New Guinea delegation were given a tour of the French National Assembly and later observed proceedings in session, where the Prime Minister received a standing ovation from French Members of Parliament.
Marape said Papua New Guinea deeply valued France’s support and partnership over the past five decades, particularly as PNG marks its 50th anniversary of Independence in 2026.
“Since the day we arrived, we have felt very much at home and very welcome,” he said. “I want to sincerely thank the Government of France, the National Assembly, and all our French friends for the wonderful hospitality extended to my delegation and my family.”
Marape said Papua New Guinea and France shared common values and responsibilities, particularly in safeguarding the planet for future generations.
“We cannot change history, but we must live in the present and construct the future,” he said. “As leaders of today, we have a responsibility to ensure we leave behind a livable planet for our children and grandchildren.
“Papua New Guinea and France share common interests in preserving our oceans, forests, biodiversity, and our collective planet," he added.
Marape said Papua New Guinea was proud to contribute to the global environmental agenda through the protection of its vast rainforests and oceans.
“Six percent of the world’s biodiversity is found in Papua New Guinea,” he said. “Our forests and oceans are among the world’s vital carbon sinks that help clean the atmosphere for all humanity. These are not just Papua New Guinea’s resources — they are global assets that benefit the entire world.”
He also thanked France for supporting ocean and forest preservation initiatives in Papua New Guinea and encouraged greater French investment in environmentally responsible projects across the country.
“Your investors coming into Papua New Guinea can help us grow our economy while also helping us preserve our forests and oceans,” he said.
Reflecting personally on his own journey from rural Papua New Guinea to addressing leaders in one of the world’s leading democracies, Marape spoke of the opportunities created through education, leadership and international partnership.
“My father once told me stories as I was growing up in the remote parts of my country,” he said. “Fifty years ago, I spoke no English. Fifty years ago, I did not know France existed.
“But within one lifetime, I have come from absolute obscurity into a position where I can stand here today and share our nation’s story with you.”
Marape also stressed the need for nations to work together beyond political divisions and geopolitical rivalries in order to protect global peace and human dignity.
“COVID-19 reminded us that we all live on one shared planet,” he said. “What happens in one part of the world can affect the entire planet. We are all part of one human family. If you cut my vein and cut another person’s vein, the blood is the same human blood."
Marape urged France to continue using its voice and influence in global affairs to advocate for democracy, human rights, environmental protection, and fairness for smaller nations and the Global South.
“France is not just a middle power — France is a great power,” he said. “The weight of your history, your democracy, your science, your education, and your commitment to human rights gives France an important place in shaping the future of humanity.”
Marape said that while political leaders may come and go, the shared values underpinning the relationship between Papua New Guinea and France must endure.
“President Macron may come and go. Prime Minister Marape may come and go. But the common values of humanity must remain strong,” he said. "We thank France for standing beside Papua New Guinea over the last 50 years, and we look forward to strengthening this partnership into the future.”
