Papua New Guinea (PNG) is set to open its first embassy in Jerusalem during a visit next week by Prime Minister James Marape, confirmed a spokesperson from Marape’s office. Israel’s Foreign Ministry had earlier announced in February that PNG would open an embassy in Israel in 2023.
The opening strengthens ties between the two countries, which have been cordial but limited largely to agreements on technology and agriculture. PNG was one of the nations that abstained from voting on the 2017 United Nations resolution condemning the US for moving its embassy to Jerusalem, a signal of its less confrontational stance toward Israel.
Marape’s visit could pave the way for more collaborative efforts in sectors like technology, agriculture, and health care. Israel is keen on widening its diplomatic reach, especially as it faces international scrutiny on its policies toward the Palestinians.
The diplomatic move also takes on significance as PNG seeks international partnerships for economic development. The decision to place the embassy in Jerusalem rather than Tel Aviv aligns PNG with a small but growing number of countries making a similar choice, despite international debate on the city’s status.