Papua New Guinea: Foreign Policy White Paper likely indicates indirect preference for security and bilateralism

On 26 November, Papua New Guinea’s parliament ratified the country’s revised Foreign Policy White Paper. The last white paper was published in 1981. Prime Minister Marape stated the policy charts PNG’s next 50 years of independence and continues the doctrine of “Friends to all; enemies to none.” On 25 November, the 2026 National Budget was also presented, with a 6.7% increase on the 2025 total to $AUD10.7 billion. The opposition has criticised the budget for overestimating likely revenues and prioritising visible projects ahead of the 2026 election instead of structural reform and service delivery.

Assessment: The Foreign Policy White Paper lists eight pillars with bilateral relations listed higher than multilateralism and security listed higher than economic diplomacy and development cooperation. This listing may not be intentional, but during his speech the foreign minister also mentioned Australia and the US as key security partners, highly likely indicating these countries as the security partners of choice. PNG also self-identifies as the bridge between Asia and the Pacific, and a regional leader. These themes, as well as the policy’s intent to better link foreign policy to domestic social outcomes will be critical for external entities to emphasise when engaging PNG decision-makers.

Sources: “K2.5 billion allocated to law and justice, police to get K760 million,” The National, November 26 2025; Scott Waide, “East Sepik Governor Bird slams 2026 Budget,” RNZ, November 27, 2025; Pita Ligaiula, “PNG unveils new foreign policy,” PINA, November 28, 2025; “Parliament Ratifies PNG Foreign Policy White Paper after 40 Years,” PMNEC.gov.pg, December 1, 2025; Rebecca Kuku, “’Wishful thinking’: Kramer says 2026 Budget selling PNG’s hope built on sand,” The National, December 2, 2025.