Prime Minister James Marape held high-level talks with senior executives of ExxonMobil Corporation in Houston today, aiming to accelerate Papua New Guinea’s next wave of liquefied natural gas (LNG) development.

The meeting, held at ExxonMobil’s global headquarters, focused on three major projects: Papua LNG, P’nyang LNG, and the Wildebeest gas field. These developments are seen as vital to PNG’s long-term economic growth, investment flow, and job creation.

Prime Minister Marape described the discussions as “substantive, productive, and forward-looking,” and welcomed ExxonMobil’s continued commitment to PNG’s energy sector.

“I’m pleased to confirm that ExxonMobil has reaffirmed its support for the development of Papua LNG, P’nyang LNG, and Wildebeest,” Marape said. “These projects remain strategically important and will be rolled out in a carefully sequenced manner over the next 10 to 15 years.”

The Prime Minister was joined by Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina, Mining Minister Rainbo Paita, State Solicitor Daniel Rolpagarea, MRDC Managing Director Augustine Mano, and State Negotiating Team Chairman Dairi Vele.

ExxonMobil’s delegation included Chairman and CEO Darren Woods, Upstream Oil and Gas President Dan Ammann, Global LNG Senior Vice President Peter Clarke, and ExxonMobil PNG Managing Director Dinesh Sivasamboo.

The talks also addressed recent cost pressures facing the Papua LNG project, where TotalEnergies serves as the lead operator. Marape confirmed that all joint venture partners — ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, and Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited — remain committed to a collaborative solution.

A joint stakeholder meeting is being scheduled to resolve the cost issues and move toward a Final Investment Decision (FID) for the Papua LNG project.

ExxonMobil also expressed strong interest in advancing the Wildebeest gas field, which is still in its exploration phase. Deep-well exploratory drilling is ongoing, and the company signaled its willingness to partner with the PNG Government on its development potential.

“We have clearly stated our preference: Papua LNG first, then P’nyang LNG, followed by Wildebeest,” Marape said. “This sequencing allows for continuity in construction and investment, helping sustain momentum in the industry and ensuring benefits reach our people consistently over the next decade.”

In a notable moment during the visit, the Prime Minister was informed that more than six Papua New Guineans are now working at ExxonMobil’s Houston headquarters — a result, he said, of long-term investments in local talent.

“As Education Minister in 2008–2009, I supported training programs to prepare our people for roles in the LNG sector,” Marape said. “Seeing our nationals contributing globally at a company like ExxonMobil shows what’s possible when we invest in our human capital.”

He thanked ExxonMobil for continuing to empower Papua New Guinean professionals and encouraged the company to expand global opportunities for local talent.

Following the Houston engagement, Prime Minister Marape will depart overnight for Washington, D.C., where he will continue his official mission with a two-day program of meetings. These include talks with senior U.S. Government officials and executives from Newmont Corporation, as part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and attract responsible investment to PNG’s resource sector.

Marape concluded the Houston leg of his tour by reaffirming the government’s support for responsible resource development.