PNG FOREIGN MINISTER MEETS COMMONWEALTH SECRETARY- GENERAL SHIRLEY BOTCHWEY ON THE SIDE-LINES OF CHOGM 2026 IN ANTIGUA: PUSHES FOR COMMONWEALTH PACIFIC REGIONAL OFFICE
Papua New Guinea is pushing to host a proposed Commonwealth Pacific Regional Office as part of efforts to strengthen its leadership and influence within the Commonwealth.
Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko raised the proposal during a bilateral meeting with Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey on the sidelines of the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026 in Antigua.
Minister Tkatchenko also presented Papua New Guinea’s bid to host a future CHOGM summit.
He said the two initiatives demonstrated PNG’s readiness to take a leading role in addressing regional and global challenges, including democracy, the rule of law, climate resilience, maritime security and digital trade connectivity.
The proposed regional office would serve as a permanent Commonwealth coordination centre, focusing on the unique geopolitical and environmental challenges facing Pacific Island nations and neighbouring member states.
Its key priorities would include strengthening governance and democratic institutions, building climate resilience, improving maritime security, promoting trade and investment, and addressing infrastructure gaps through better digital and physical connectivity.
Minister Tkatchenko also expressed confidence in Secretary-General Botchwey’s leadership and welcomed her commitment to securing sustainable investments for the Commonwealth’s 32 small states.
He said establishing a dedicated Commonwealth office in the Pacific would help strengthen regional stability, economic development and cooperation.
Minister Tkatchenko is leading Papua New Guinea’s delegation at CHOGM 2026 in Antigua, where he will hold further high-level discussions with member countries to strengthen partnerships and advance PNG’s interests within the Commonwealth.
