PAPUA New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has introduced a comprehensive Foreign Policy White Paper designed to navigate his country through its next five decades of international engagement.
This strategic document reinforces the nation’s traditional stance of maintaining universal friendships without hostility while modernizing its approach to global security and economic diplomacy.
The framework is built upon eight key pillars that prioritize national sovereignty, brand promotion, and the protection of citizens living overseas.
To support these goals, the government intends to expand its diplomatic footprint by establishing new missions in locations like Paris and the United Arab Emirates.
Ultimately, this policy serves as a long-term roadmap that transcends political changes to ensure the country remains proactive in an increasingly interconnected and complex global environment.
“This is not coincidental—it is purposeful. As we celebrate 50 years of independence, we must position ourselves clearly for the future, anchored in where we have come from,” Marape said.
He reaffirmed that Papua New Guinea’s long-standing Foreign Policy doctrine of “friend to all and enemy to none” remained central to the new Framework.
“There should be no Foreign Policy that is divorced from our DNA—friends to all, enemies to none. That is foundational, universal, and must guide us into the future,” Marape said.
“This principle reflects PNG’s Melanesian values of peace, hospitality, and dialogue, as well as the country’s Christian heritage.’’
The doctrine shapes its diplomacy in several ways, which Marape highlighted, including: Strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations, safeguarding national sovereignty, borders, and security, and advancing economic and commercial diplomacy.
Enhancing development cooperation, promoting PNG’s global image, and national brand are some of the other initiatives.
“This Policy secures the last 50 years of our journey, but more importantly, it points us to how we must travel into the future,” he said.