PNG Prime Minister O'Neill to visit Japan to Strengthen Trade, Investment and Relations

The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea,  Peter O’Neill  will undertake a Official Visit to Japan, that will include Tokyo and Osaka, on 13-16 October.

This will be the second occasion that Prime Minster O’Neill has travelled to Japan on a Official Visit and follows the Official Visit by Japan’s Prime Minister, H.E. Shinzo Abe, to Papua New Guinea in 2014.

“The engagement between Japan and Papua New Guinea is the most productive it has even been in the history of our relations,” PM O’Neill said.

“The strength of this relationship is enabling Papua New Guinea to deliver more exports to Japan, and we are seeing more Japanese tourists coming to our country.

“This creates jobs and stimulates business in both Japan and Papua New Guinea.

“We also appreciate the ongoing support that is given to Papua New Guinea from Japan that is helping to strengthen our economy.”

The Prime Minister said there are a number of issues that will be discussed during the visit that are important to both countries.

“A delegation of Papua New Guinea business leaders will also travel to Japan and take part in a number of engagements that will deliver new opportunities,” the Prime Minister said.

“At the meeting I held with Prime Minister Abe on the sidelines of the PALM 7 meeting in Tokyo in May, we progressed a number of issues that we will now finalise.

“These agreements enable us to expand Papua New Guinea’s exports and create new trade and cultural exchange opportunities.

“We intend to undertake on memorandums of understanding and agreements between our two Governments that will strengthen relations.

“In the area of education Papua New Guinea has a great deal to gain from the opportunities Japan offers to our students to study at Japanese universities.”

The Prime Minister has warned opposition politicians at home to show respect during the visit and to refrain from slanderous and bitter commentary through social media.

“We have seen some nonsense from the opposition politicians and their supporters in recent week trying to undermine diplomatic relationships with our partners.

“Over the past weekend the Opposition Leader was even saying that I, as Prime Minister, should not attend informal discussions with my Australian counterpart.

“This is foolish politics from the opposition and the people of this nation expect a higher level and more mature policy debate than we are currently seeing.”