Micronesia Sun Bright News from the Deep Pacific
Photo Sources: Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority (MIMRA)
By Christopher Cottrell
May 20, 2026, Marshall Islands__ Republic of the Marshall Islands Special Envoy to the President, Minister Anthony M. Muller and Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea recently affirmed ties for greater ocean management, establishing a PNG diplomatic mission in Majuro, medical services assistance, and land investment for Marshallese impact by sea rise and climate change.
Meeting in Port Moresby at the inaugural Melanesian Oceans Summit in Port Moresby, the two spoke heart to heart about climate resilience, with Special Envoy Miller saying, ““On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, we extend our heartfelt condolences to all families and communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila, particularly across Milne Bay, East New Britain, West New Britain, New Ireland, the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, and Manus,” according to a statement from the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority (MIMRA).
He added, “The Marshall Islands stands in solidarity with Papua New Guinea during this difficult time.”
Minister Muller also, “ welcomed Papua New Guinea’s interest in establishing a diplomatic presence in Majuro to strengthen engagement with the Micronesian region,” with President Heine and her Cabinet willing to assist, “identifying suitable land or office space for its future diplomatic mission.”
Papua New New Guinea has recently processed credentials for Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to the Pacific Ambassador Junior Aini to the Governor-General of Papua New Guinea as “a milestone” in the two Pacific Islands nations.
Prime Minister Marape also, “expressed strong support for the East New Britain Initiative (ENBi) and Pacific Island Tuna (PIT) partnership initiatives, including opportunities for tuna landing, offloading, and processing operations in Papua New Guinea while retaining Marshall Islands product ownership and value,” according to the MIMRA statement.
The statement adds, “Prime Minister Marape indicated Papua New Guinea’s willingness to make land available for future investment opportunities under the ENBi initiative and also extended support for Marshallese citizens who may be affected by sea level rise and climate change impacts in the future.”
Prime Minister Marape further welcomed discussions on medical arrangements for Marshall Islands citizens in its local facilities and clinics.
