The recently launched Papua New Guinea (PNG) Foreign Policy Whitepaper aims to enhance the countries national interest through international engagements in the years to come.

The Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs Mr. Elias Wonhengu at the time of the launching on Tuesday 17th March in Port Moresby city’s APEC Haus, described it as a significant achievement for PNG’s foreign affairs dealings.

“This Foreign Policy Whitepaper provides the department with a clear and coherent strategic framework to guide Papua New Guinea’s engagement with the international community in the years to come,” said the Secretary.

“I affirm the department’s core mandate to oversee, coordinate and manage the implementation of Papua New Guinea’s foreign policy, whilst ensuring that our external engagement support broader national development agenda.”

Prime Minister James Marape later officially launched the Foreign Policy White Paper, describing it as a historic and strategic blueprint that will guide the nation’s International Relations, Security, and Economic Engagement into the future.

The landmark event, hosted by Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko, brought together Ambassadors, High Commissioners, International Partners, and Senior Government officials as PNG marks its 50th year of Independence.

Marape said the White Paper represents a defining moment in the country’s journey, aligning the nation’s proud past with a forward-looking Vision in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

“This is not coincidental—it is purposeful. As we celebrate 50 years of Independence, we must position ourselves clearly for the future, anchored in where we have come from,” Prime Minister Marape said.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed that Papua New Guinea’s long-standing Foreign Policy doctrine of “friends to all and enemies to none” remains central to the new Framework.