PNG and France Agree on Seabed Mining Caution as Bilateral Ties Deepen

Papua New Guinea and France have found common ground on a cautious approach to deep-sea mining, agreeing on the need for rigorous scientific studies before any such activity is permitted.

The shared position emerged from a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister James Marape and French President Emmanuel Macron, which also produced significant agreements on maritime security, trade, and defence cooperation.

The discussions, held on the sidelines of the 3rd UN Oceans Conference in Nice, saw Prime Minister Marape reiterate PNG’s national policy against deep-sea mining in the absence of proven environmental safeguards. The stance aligns with a growing global call for precaution, an issue of critical importance for the health of the Pacific Ocean, which Mr. Marape described as a “sacred entity” during his address to the World Island Forum.

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KEY POINTS:

1. Maritime Security Boost

• Shiprider Agreement Finalised: A deal to combat illegal fishing in PNG’s waters is ready for ratification.
• Defence Talks: France to host PNG’s Defence Minister to discuss enhancing air and sea surveillance.

2. Caution on Seabed Mining

• Science First: Both leaders agree on the need for rigorous scientific studies before any deep-sea mining is allowed.
• National Policy: PNG reiterated its official policy against deep-sea mining without proven environmental safeguards.

3. Major Economic Investment

• French Business Zone: PNG has offered to create a Special Economic Zone for French industries.
• Papua LNG on Track: President Macron personally assured that the TotalEnergies project would stay on course.

4. Easier Travel & Diplomacy

• Schengen Visa Access: PNG has requested visa-on-arrival access to France and the 29-nation Schengen Area.
• Embassy in Paris: PNG will soon appoint an ambassador and open a new embassy in Paris.

5. Climate & Environment Action

• Green Commitment: France reaffirmed its climate and forest conservation commitments in the Pacific.
• Project Cooperation: Leaders acknowledged cooperation on projects like the Managalas Conservation Project and the Rabaul Port Restoration.

6. Global Stage Support

• UN Conference Bid: France has given its full support for PNG’s bid to host a future UN Ocean Conference.
• Formal Endorsement: The support was officially declared during the Pacific Islands Forum session.

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This environmental accord was a cornerstone of what the Prime Minister’s Office has called “one of the most significant engagements” for Papua New Guinea on the global stage.

Shiprider agreement

A key outcome of the talks was the commitment to finalise a Shiprider Agreement. The deal, which Mr. Marape confirmed is in its final stages of completion , will be crucial in the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in PNG’s vast waters. “The Papua New Guinea Foreign Affairs has finalized all documentation to be signed off and ratified,” Mr Marape said.

SEZ offer to France

In a significant move to bolster economic ties, Prime Minister Marape proposed the establishment of a designated Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to attract French industries.

“We are willing to give a special economic zone designated only for France investments and industries,” he stated, highlighting PNG’s strategic geographic position linking Asia and the Pacific. The leaders also discussed the major Papua LNG project, with President Macron giving his undertaking to work with TotalEnergies to ensure the project stays on course.

The deepening relationship will also extend to defence, with France agreeing to facilitate a visit by PNG’s Defence Minister to explore enhanced air and maritime surveillance capabilities.

Schengen Visa

On the diplomatic front, Mr. Marape formally requested that France facilitate a Schengen Visa arrangement for Papua New Guineans, allowing for easier, visa-on-arrival travel to the 29-country European bloc. To further institutionalise relations, PNG will soon appoint an ambassador to Paris, reciprocating France’s diplomatic presence in Port Moresby.

The diplomatic wins continued with President Macron announcing France’s full support for Papua New Guinea’s bid to host a future United Nations Ocean Conference.

Environmental issues

Prime Minister Marape praised his French counterpart’s leadership on environmental issues, calling him a “beacon of hope in Climate Change issues for many Small Island States in the Pacific”. President Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to climate change mitigation and marine conservation , with the two nations set to cooperate on preserving forest and ocean ecosystems.

The broad scope of the agreements marks a deliberate strengthening of PNG’s ties with a key European and Pacific power, diversifying its foreign policy and building a partnership with significant strategic implications for the region.