Biden Planning Papua New Guinea Stopover Ahead of Quad Summit, Official Says

Exciting News: President Biden to Visit Papua New Guinea

The southwestern Pacific nation of Papua New Guinea (PNG) is about to receive a historic visit from U.S. President Joe Biden. Biden will make a brief stopover in the nation’s capital, Port Moresby, during his trip to Australia next month. This move is set to boost U.S. engagement in the region and strengthen ties between the two nations.

What to Expect from Biden’s Visit

• Biden will visit PNG on May 22 for a three-hour stopover on his way to Australia.
• He is expected to meet with PNG leaders to discuss the economy, security, and climate change.
• If the visit goes ahead, Biden will become the first-ever sitting U.S. president to visit the nation.

The White House has not yet officially announced Biden’s stopover in PNG. However, this visit is part of Biden’s trip to attend the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Sydney, Australia, on May 24. The summit will focus on issues that matter to the people of the Indo-Pacific, such as critical technologies and climate change.

Negotiating Defense Cooperation

The United States has been seeking to enhance its engagement in the Indo-Pacific region to counter Beijing’s growing influence. In February, PNG sent a delegation to Honolulu for security talks with U.S. officials. The U.S. State Department has been negotiating a Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) with PNG to establish a mutual understanding of core issues. The DCA will help with America’s investment into capacity building of the PNG defense force, in training, infrastructure, and other items that have to do with defense.

With Biden’s visit, the U.S. is set to strengthen its ties with PNG and enhance its engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. This visit is a significant step towards building a more secure and prosperous future for both nations.