New Delhi, Aug. 6 -- As Papua New Guinea (PNG) celebrates 50 years of independence, Prime Minister James Marape is calling for greater Pacific solidarity in the face of growing geopolitical tensions.

Speaking to PMN News, Marape emphasises regional unity ahead of the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting, from which Taiwan has been excluded.

"Togetherness is security and empowerment," Marape says.

"They may be small island states by land size and population, but they are big ocean nations.

"In the ocean, you have vastness of space and resources."

Marape confirmed that PNG had sent official advice to Solomon Islands, the host of the upcoming PIF Leaders Meeting.

Although not disclosing the letter's full details, Marape...