ROK-PNG Framework Agreement for Grant Aid Signed

- Establishing Legal Framework for Stable Grant-based Development Cooperation between Two Governments -

Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea (PNG) Justin Tkatchenko signed the "Framework Agreement for Grant Aid between the Government of the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the Government of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea" on Tuesday, December 9, on the occasion of the ROK-PNG Foreign Ministers' meeting.

※ The Framework Agreement on Grant Aid is a treaty stipulating the rights and obligations of the parties, including the legal status, privileges and immunities of the personnel dispatched for grant aid projects and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) office.

By signing the Framework Agreement on Grant Aid, the two countries established a legal foundation for the stable implementation of their grant-based development cooperation projects. The Agreement is expected to serve as an important basis for the smooth operation of the KOICA office in Papua New Guinea, which is set to reopen in almost 30 years.

Since initiating development cooperation with the Papua New Guinea government in 1988, the ROK government has supported the former's sustainable development in areas such as human resource development and health. Including by providing humanitarian aid in response to landslides in Papua New Guinea in May last year, the ROK government has strengthened solidarity with the country.

Pursuant to the Framework Agreement, the ROK government will help Papua New Guinea achieve sustainable development. To that end, it will explore effective grant aid initiatives that align with Papua New Guinea's development needs, - such as in human resource development, healthcare, and climate change response - and deliver tangible benefits for the people of both the Republic of Korea and the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.