The President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, His Excellency Dr. José Ramos-Horta is in Papua New Guinea (PNG) for bilateral talks and attend the inaugural Melanesian Oceans Summit 2026.

There to receive His Excellency at the Jackson International airport terminal in Port Moresby city early this morning was Prime Minister James Marape. The President was given a guard to honor by the Papua New Defence Force.

President Ramos-Horta is visiting PNG from 10 to 13 May at the invitation of Prime Minister Marape. The visit will focus on strengthening bilateral ties between Timor-Leste and PNG.

“The presence of President Ramos-Horta underscores the shared commitment of our nations to regional cooperation and ocean stewardship,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“We welcome him warmly as we begin important discussions on our partnership and our common future in the Blue Pacific.”

Following bilateral meetings, President Ramos-Horta will attend the Melanesian Oceans Summit, which opens on Monday, 11 May 2026. The summit marks the first gathering of its kind and will bring together leaders and representatives from across the region to address ocean governance, climate resilience, and sustainable marine development.

Heads of state, ministers, and heads of mission from 13 countries are attending the summit. Confirmed participants include Fiji, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Tonga, Timor Leste, the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Philippines, Palau, Nauru, Australia, New Zealand, and the Solomon Islands.

The summit will run through the week in Port Moresby.