Minister Pato satisfied with outcome of ministerial forum

Pato satisfied with  outcome of ministerial meeting. Image Souce PNC/Getty

Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Rimbink Pato today expressed satisfaction at the outcome of the PNG – Australia Ministerial Forum held in Canberra. Minister Pato said the agreement between the two Governments, outlined in the Communique signed, delivered a new outlook in the relationship between the two countries. “The new focus in our economic and development cooperation, as outlined, only serves to strengthen our existing relationship,” Minister Pato said. He said PNG’s economy was one of the fastest growing economy in the world. He said there was increased spending by the government on key areas like infrastructure development, education and health, and law and order.

“The Australian Government is now aligning their annual aid with our development priorities in these key areas, and I’m very pleased and excited. In fact these are exciting time for all of us (both Australia and PNG),” Pato said. “Focusing resources in these priority areas will ensure we get the outcome we want.” Minister Pato and his Australian counterpart jointly addressed the media in Canberra after signing the Communique.

The upgrade of the Madang-Ramu Highway, Angau Hospital redevelopment, building a lower court house in Waigani, and upgrading facilities at the University of PNG are initial projects agreed to by both Governments.

Foreign Minister Bishop also announced she would visit PNG early next year, possibly February. 

Some of agreements in the Communiqué include;

- Australia supporting PNG’s hosting of the APEC summit in 2018;

- Australia supporting ongoing implementation of Bougainville Peace Agreement;

- Both sides committed to work together maximize take-ups for Seasonal Workers Program;

- Both sides to continue to work on streamlining visa arrangement to make it easier for PNG citizens to travel to Australia;

- Continue the Defence and Police Cooperation, with 50 Australian Federal Police personnels now deployed in PNG;

- Australian Government fully supporting the Anti Corruption efforts of the PNG Government;

- Australian Government supporting PNG Government’s efforts in improving the procurement process.

Minister Pato said PNG will continue to work with Australia in addressing human trafficking issues, and expressed satisfaction that the Manus Asylum Processing Centre was working well, in line with laws and standard expected of such a facility.