Papua New Guinea’s PM touches Modi’s feet welcoming him unusually after sunset
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Port Moresby: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India will share its ‘experiences and capabilities’ with the countries in the Pacific region.
Modi received a special welcome in Papua New Guinea where he is co-chairing the 3rd India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit in which 14 countries are participating.
Narendra Modi said India believes in multilateralism and supports a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
‘India is proud to be your development partner. You can count on India as a reliable partner. We are ready to share our experiences and capabilities with you without hesitation. We believe in multilateralism and support a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific,’ Prime Minister Modi reportedly said.
While reminding the summit of the challenges of climate change, natural disaster, hunger, poverty and health, PM Modi expressed happiness in having stood by Pacific Island countries during times of difficulty.
PM Modi told the summit that it is the responsibility of India to convey the concerns of the Global South through G 20 and he tried the same at the G7 summit as well.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Papua New Guinea counterpart James Marape discussed cooperation in commerce, technology and healthcare.
The two leaders released the Tamil classic ‘Thirukkural’, translated into Papua New Guinea’s Tok Pisin language by Subha Sasindran and Governor Sasindran Muthuvel of West New Britain Province.
On Sunday evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a ceremonial welcome which the nation usually does not accord to any guest arriving after sunset, alongside Prime Minister James Marape touched PM Modi's feet welcoming him to the Pacific Island nation.
‘Reached Papua New Guinea. I am thankful to PM James Marape for coming to the airport and welcoming me. This is a very special gesture which I will always remember. I look forward to boosting India's ties with this great nation during my visit,’ PM Modi tweeted.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that PM Modi received a 19-gun salute, guard of honour and ceremonial welcome.