PNG TO HOST 2018 APEC MEETING

PNG to host APEC Meeting in 2018

The 2013 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting ended on a high note for Papua New Guinea.

APEC members have given PNG the go-ahead to host the 2018 APEC meeting.

Papua New Guinea made a number of bilateral achievements during the week-long Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Bali, Indonesia.

Top of the achievement was the final approval by APEC members for PNG to host and chair the 2018 APEC meeting.

Earlier in the day, Foreign Affairs Minister Rimbink Pato said he was determined to convince and pull in support from leading developed countries, including Australia, to support PNG’s bid to host the next meeting.

The Minister did not have long to wait. It was confirmed yesterday afternoon for PNG to go ahead and make preparations.

In the latter part of the day, PNG signed a Plan Of Action with the Republic of Indonesia to implement comprehensive partnership between both states.

The signing took place between the Foreign Ministers of countries, Dr. Marty Natalegawa, and Rimbink Pato. It was witnessed by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and Indonesia’s President Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

The Plan of Action expands on existing bilateral relations between the two countries, and more.

These include Political Cooperation, Trade and Investment, Education, Border Security and Border Connectivity.

Based on the provisions of the renewed Basic Agreement on Border Arrangements signed in Jakarta on June 17 this year, both countries will facilitate the maintenance and construction of international road infrastructure linking the bordering provinces of Indonesia’s Papua Province and PNG’s West Sepik and Western provinces.

The link is expected to encourage proper customs and quarantine regulations, enhance communication systems and mutual cooperation in environmental conservation matters.

All in all, it is aimed at promoting peace, trust, stability and prosperity between the neighbors.

EMTV