PNG Prime Minister Peter O'neill congratulates Abbott on win

Peter O'neill Getty Images

PAPUA New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill says he is looking forward to working closely with Australian prime minister-elect Tony Abbott.

Mr O'Neill on Sunday sent a letter to Mr Abbott congratulating him on Saturday's election win.

"Your comprehensive win ... was demonstrably a true indication of the trust, confidence and support the Australian constituents have in your leadership qualities and more importantly the political, social and economic policies of the Liberal Party," Mr O'Neill said.

"Let me assure you that my government is committed to working closely with you and your government during your tenure and most importantly, in pursuit of our bilateral relations.

"Allow me on this wonderful occasion, on behalf of the government and people of Papua New Guinea, to offer our sincere congratulations on your election as prime minister of Australia."

Mr O'Neill offered to meet with Mr Abbott "on the margins" of the Asia-Pacific Economic Forum meeting in Bali in early October.

Under the previous governments of Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard, PNG agreed to house and process asylum seekers who try to enter Australia by boat.

The Pacific island nation is also Australia's largest aid recipient to the tune of $A500 million a year.

Shortly before the election the coalition announced $A4.5 billion in cuts to foreign aid over the forward estimates to fund domestic election promises.

The coalition said, however, that PNG will remain a priority country.

PNG government sources have told AAP they are expecting the Abbott government to tinker around the edges of existing PNG policy, but keep core programs.

News.com.au