Will Papua New Guinea join ASEAN?

No Papua New Guinea sees it self as a largely Melanesian Pacific Islands Nation. Its cultural and geo political outlook is Oceania but it does have increasing economic ties with China, Malaysia etc. read more

During the 29th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting held in Jakarta in 1996, Papua New Guinea's Foreign Minister, Kilroy Genia, expressed his country's desire to further strengthen its interactions with ASEAN by proposing that Papua New Guinea be accorded permanent associate membership with ASEAN. read more

Papua New Guinea has enjoyed observer status in ASEAN since 1976. Benefits PNG has cited to ASEAN members from PNG's accession might include tapping into Papua New Guinea's lead industries such as oil and gas, mining and seafood. read more