Reuters reports that a spokesman from Marape's office said that Biden would stop off for about three hours on his way from a G7 meeting in Japan to Australia for a meeting of the so-called Quad countries.

 

The Quad countries - the US, Japan, India and Australia ¬- will be hosted by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on May 24.

 

A Pacific islands source told Reuters that Biden was also expected to meet with more than a dozen Pacific islands leaders, but the White House National Security Council has not responded to requests for comment on the plans.

 

Meanwhile Prime Minister James Marape has roasted the Post-Courier newspaper for reporting on the visit by Biden.

 

 "Both Governments have not released anything official on President Biden's visit yet, however, I can confirm that talks have been going on between us on this historic event," Marape said, reported by the Post Courier.

 

"An official statement on President Biden's visit has not yet been released, so it baffles me that

Post-Courier has already jumped the gun and let the cat out of the bag.

 

"I continue to be disappointed at Post-Courier's coverage of national issues, and more importantly, such a planned visit by a world leader like President Biden. I caution the Post-Courier to be very careful when reporting on such sensitive matters."