AMN WEB DESK
The Prime Minister today co-chaired the 3rd Summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC III Summit) with his Papua New Guinea counterpart James Marape.
Making the opening remarks at the FIPIC III summit, Prime Minister said the whole world is facing new challenges today and the hurdles have been seen in the global Food, Fuel, Fertilizers and Pharma Supply chains.
He added that when the COVID and other testing times affected the world, and reliable countries didn’t come for help but India was very much there to support the Pacific Island friends.
Prime Minister said India considers its responsibility to convey the concerns, expectations and aspirations of the Global South to the world through the G-20. He added that in Indian ideology, the whole world has been seen as a family and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is India’s core inspiration.
Speaking at the event, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape said that they are victims of global powerplay. He said that Pacific Islands nations will rally behind Indian leadership at global forums. Mr Marape also urged Mr Modi to be an active voice for the small island nations at global forums such as G20 and G7 attributing him as the leader of Global South.
Around leaders of 14 countries were participating in the summit. FIPIC was launched during Modi’s visit to Fiji in 2014.
The Prime Minister arrived in Papua New Guinea yesterday evening from Japan where he attended the summit of the G7 advanced economies and held bilateral meetings with several world leaders.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Fiji’s Highest Civilian Honour “The Companion of the Order of Fiji” for his global leadership. Mr Modi received the medal from his Fiji counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka.
In a tweet, Mr Modi thanked Mr Rabuka for the award. He also expressed his gratitude to the people and government of Fiji. He said, It is an honour for the people of India and a recognition of the strong ties between both the countries.
Governor-General Bob Dadae of Papua New Guinea also bestowed upon Mr. Modi the nation’s highest civilian award, the Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu. He received the award for championing the cause of unity of Pacific Island countries and spearheading the cause of global south.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, held a meeting with his Papua New Guinea counterpart James Marape and discussed a broad range of bilateral relations.
In a tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Prime Minister James Marape and he had very productive talks, covering the full range of bilateral relations between India and Papua New Guinea (PNG). Mr Modi said he and his counterpart discussed ways to augment cooperation in commerce, technology, healthcare and in addressing climate change.
Prime Minister Mod also held talks with the island nation’s Governor-General Bob Dadae separately and stressed on strengthening the partnership between the two countries across multiple sectors.
In a tweet, Mr Modi said he had a wonderful meeting with Governor General of Papua New Guinea, Sir Bob Dadae and talked about ways to deepen bilateral relations between both nations across different sectors.
His visit to Papua New Guinea on the second leg of his three-nation tour is the first ever by any Indian prime minister. He was received at the airport by Prime Minister James Marape who touched his feet as a mark of respect. On the third leg of his visit, Prime Minister Modi will leave to Australia on three-day visit, where he will hold a bilateral meeting with Australian counterparts Anthony Albanese.
Yesterday the Prime Minister office of Australia issued a statement and said Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Australia builds on the Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi in March and discussions at the G7 Summit and Quad Leaders’ meeting in Hiroshima over the weekend.
The statement said during the bilateral meeting, both leaders will discuss trade and investment, including efforts to boost trade between the two countries through a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, and work to strengthen people to people links, renewable energy, and defence and security cooperation.