00:00Israel's Deputy Foreign Minister Sharon Haskell strengthens ties with Papua New Guinea a new era
00:09of cooperation Port Moresby Papua New Guinea October 23rd 2025 Israel's Deputy Foreign
00:18Minister Haner Sharon Haskell has arrived in Papua New Guinea for a two-day official visit
00:24aimed at strengthening and expanding the long-standing diplomatic relationship between
00:29the State of Israel and Papua New Guinea during her courtesy visit to Prime Minister James Marape
00:35at the National Parliament yesterday Minister Haskell conveyed warm greetings and commendations
00:41from Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirming Israel's appreciation for Papua New
00:47Guinea's steadfast friendship and support deepening strategic cooperation Minister Haskell emphasized
00:55that with Papua New Guinea now establishing its Embassy in Jerusalem Israel views this as a
01:01significant milestone marking a new chapter of partnership and faith between our nations she
01:07said Israel is eager to deepen cooperation across key sectors including science and technology
01:13sustainable agriculture healthcare business innovation education and women's empowerment
01:20these areas she noted will serve as vital pillars of shared growth and development greater than Papua New
01:29Guinea and Israel share a friendship rooted in faith and mutual respect said Minister Haskell now that PNG
01:36has taken a bold step by opening its Embassy in Jerusalem Israel stands ready to partner more deeply in
01:42transforming lives and advancing development that reflects our shared values meetings and bilateral
01:49engagements throughout her visit Minister Haskell will meet with a range of government ministers senior
01:55officials and private sector leaders to explore practical avenues for cooperation discussions are expected to
02:02focus on agricultural technology water management healthcare solutions renewable energy and capacity
02:09building programs which align with PNG's national development priorities and the government's Vision 2050 agenda Prime Minister
02:18Merope welcomes cooperation Prime Minister James Merope expressed his gratitude for Israel's continued
02:24support and friendship particularly in sectors where Israeli expertise can help Papua New Guinea unlock its
02:30potential for sustainable growth greater than Israel is a true friend of Papua New Guinea Prime Minister
02:37Merope said our partnership is grounded not only in development cooperation but in our shared faith and Biblical connection
02:44establishing our embassy in Jerusalem was a step of conviction and friendship we welcome Israel's
02:50willingness to share knowledge and innovation that can help transform our agriculture health and technology sectors
02:58Prime Minister Merope also acknowledged Israel's commitment to empowering women and supporting education and
03:04education and entrepreneurship in PNG saying such programs will equip our people with
03:11practical tools for progress a friendship rooted in faith and history Papua New Guinea and Israel first established
03:19diplomatic relations in 1978 soon after PNG gained independence over the decades both nations have enjoyed
03:28cordial relations grounded in mutual respect shared democratic values and biblical faith Minister Haskell commended
03:35Papua New Guinea for being one of the few nations to publicly affirm Jerusalem as the eternal capital of Israel
03:42describing PNG's decision as an act of spiritual courage and friendship that speaks volumes to the world
03:48the friendship between our peoples is not only political it is spiritual Haskell remarked we are inspired by Papua
03:56New Guinea strong faith and its unwavering commitment to stand with Israel together we can build a future that
04:03reflects the blessings of cooperation and the promise of shared prosperity a new level of partnership both sides agreed
04:11that the visit represents the beginning of a new level of cooperation one that will move beyond diplomacy into practical
04:18development programs technical exchanges and people to people partnerships the visit is also
04:24expected to pave the way for more Israeli investment and expertise to enter Papua New Guinea particularly in areas
04:31such as irrigation technology food security and small business innovation where Israel has world-class
04:39experience looking ahead Minister Haskell reaffirmed Israel's commitment to supporting Papua New Guinea's
04:46development journey and strengthening ties with the Pacific region greater than this is not just
04:53diplomacy she said it is a partnership of faith friendship and future together we can build bridges
05:00of innovation and hope that benefit both our peoples about Israel Papua New Guinea relations the state of
05:07Israel and the independent state of Papua New Guinea formally established diplomatic ties in 1978
05:15over the years the two nations have maintained friendly relations built on shared biblical values
05:20democratic principles and mutual respect in September 2023 Papua New Guinea officially opened its embassy in
05:29Jerusalem becoming one of the first Pacific nations to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's eternal capital
05:36the move was widely welcomed by Israel and the global Jewish community as a demonstration of faith and
05:42solidarity Israel continues to assist Papua New Guinea through knowledge sharing in agriculture medical
05:48technology and education and both countries are now exploring new frameworks for cooperation and
05:54innovation environmental management women's leadership and community development
06:00to meet you personally it's a special mission for me from the government of Israel and from
06:07Prime Minister Netanyahu to come and thank you personally we have many friends around the world but during the last two years true friends show their strength
06:19their courage and their moral clarity as well and you've been one of the most outstanding friends that we've had
06:28standing together on international
06:32standing together on the bilateral relationship in international forms as well
06:38and we are here to see how we can continue and strengthen that friendship to continue those bonds
06:44with some delegations that Israel is planning on bringing here in regards to women empowerment medical
06:52delegation that's going to come here to Papua New Guinea to assist in the medical field as well
06:58we will try and bring more businesses Israeli businesses and Israeli technology to come and invest here in Papua New Guinea
07:06and I think that the sky is the limit to continue and cooperate together
