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| US President Joe Biden will visit Papua New Guinea on May 22. (Source: Reuters) |
Mr. Biden's visit is scheduled for May 22, marking the first sitting US President to visit Papua New Guinea.
President Marape confirmed that during his US counterpart’s visit, the two sides will sign two security agreements on defense cooperation and maritime surveillance. Details of the agreements will be announced in the coming days.
“This signing will add value to our internal security, as well as strengthen our army, police, navy,” President Marape told 100FM radio.
According to the leader, the US is a "strong security partner of ours, but quietly, deep behind the scenes. Now, for the first time, they are stepping out, stepping forward, interacting with Papua New Guinea more than ever before."
The United States has deep historical and national ties to the South Pacific island nations, and has been the primary military force in the region since World War II. However, the South Pacific is increasingly becoming an arena for major powers to compete for commercial, political and military influence.
China is now asserting itself through expanding its diplomatic reach, investment, police training and security agreements, notably a security pact with the Solomon Islands signed last year.
Meanwhile, on May 9, the US opened its embassy in Tonga and mentioned the "possibility of appointing" a permanent ambassador there.
In February, the US also restored its embassy in the Solomons after a 30-year hiatus. In addition, Washington also plans to open embassies in Vanuatu and Kiribati.
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