PAPUA NEW GUINEA REAFFIRMS ASPIRATION FOR FULL ASEAN MEMBERSHIP.
Foreign Affairs Minister Hon.Justin Tkatchenko delivering the Country Statement at the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers' Meeting 11 July 2025 Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia.
Papua New Guina is reaffirming its commitment to transition from ASEAN Special Observer to full membership, underscoring the strategic and economic value PNG offers to the region.
The PNG Foreign Minister Hon. Justin Tkachenko highlighted this during the 32nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 11th July 2025.
Minister Tkatchenko emphasized PNG’s readiness to contribute to ASEAN. He highlighted PNG’s potential to strengthen ASEAN–Pacific economic connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.
“PNG’s inclusion would give ASEAN an economic foothold in the Pacific and unlock trade and investment opportunities,” the Minister noted, referencing PNG’s abundant natural resources, including major LNG and crude oil exports, a 2.4 million km² EEZ, and globally significant biodiversity.
Minister added, “PNG has not yet submitted a formal application for full membership, the Department of Foreign Affairs will prepare a Cabinet Policy Submission for consideration by the National Executive Council (NEC).
PNG has maintained ASEAN Special Observer status since 1976 and is a permanent member of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the largest Asia-Pacific political and security forum comprising ASEAN’s 10 member states, 10 Dialogue Partners, and 7 Observers.
PNG has established full diplomatic missions in four (4) ASEAN countries, with a fifth mission to open in Thailand later this year—progressively fulfilling ASEAN’s membership expectations.
Minister Tkatchenko concluded, “Papua New Guinea respects the ASEAN process and stands ready to commit fully to its obligations, initiatives, and agreements. We offer strategic geography, surplus resources, and steadfast commitment to peace and regional cooperation.”
This renewed bid marks a pivotal step in PNG’s 49-year engagement with ASEAN and its continued role as a bridge between Asia and the Pacific.
Papua New Guinea is the largest Pacific Island nation, home to over 800 languages and immense natural and ecological wealth. It has participated as an ASEAN Special Observer since 1976 and a permanent ASEAN Regional Forum member since 1994.
