Prime Minister Hon. James Marape says he is very disappointed that the Post-Courier newspaper has reported on US President Joe Biden’s planned visit to Papua New Guinea when there has been nothing official from the US and PNG Governments on this.

He said this in response to the Post-Courier reporting on its front page today about the planned visit of President Biden next month.

“Both Government have not released anything official on President Biden’s visit yet, however, I can confirm that talks have been going on between us on this historic event,” PM Marape said.

“An official statement on President Biden’s visit has not yet been released, so it baffles me that Post-Courier has already jumped the gun, and let the cat out of the bag.

“I continue to be disappointed at Post-Courier’s coverage of national issues, and more importantly, such a planned visit by a world leader like President Biden.

“I caution the Post-Courier to be very careful when reporting on such sensitive matters.”

PM Marape said President Biden had indicated a visit to PNG next month, which would coincide with the visit by Indian Prime Minister Hon. Narendra Modi, for the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC).

“FIPIC will bring together all Pacific Leaders, including possibly those of Australia and New Zealand, in Port Moresby to meet Prime Minister Modi,” he said.

“Preparations are going well and are being handled by our Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Justin Tkatchenko.

“We have had the experience of hosting APEC 2018 – which brought together leaders from all pver the world – so we will be well prepared.”