Washington, DC - Vice President Pence met today with Prime Minister Peter O’Neill of Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby. Vice President Pence thanked Prime Minister O’Neill for Papua New Guinea’s leadership in hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings and recognized his government’s work on improving the lives of the people of Papua New Guinea.
They noted the pivotal role played by the U.S. private sector in PNG’s current and future development, including Exxon Mobil’s $19 billion investment, and affirmed the continued role of such investment in realizing Papua New Guinea’s enormous potential and driving sustainable growth in the region. The two leaders pledged to expand cooperation on defense issues, confirming mutual interest in our two countries expanding maritime security cooperation. Recognizing Papua New Guinea’s role as a regional leader, the Vice President confirmed the United States’ interest in deepening its partnership with Papua New Guinea to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific.