US, PNG sign military agreement
Papua New Guinea has signed an acquisition and cross servicing agreement with the United States to strengthen their bilateral partnership and co-operation in military logistics.
PNG Defence Force Commander Brigadier General Gilbert Toropo and Secretary for Defence John Porti met with the US Pacific Command commander Admiral Samuel Locklear and the US defence attaché to PNG, Commander Scott Sherhard, to sign the agreement at Murray Barracks yesterday.
The bilateral agreement will facilitate the exchange of logistics support, supplies and services during exercises, training or emergencies such as disasters.
The agreement provides the basic framework for co-operation in military logistic matters.
The overall purpose is to increase readiness of military partnership by reducing the initial logistics hurdles.
Admiral Locklear said the agree-ment was for the common good of the South Pacific and Asia Pacific as a whole and does not in any way commit either country to any military action.
"As a nation, the United States continues its re-balance efforts in the Asia–Pacific because we see the importance of Asia, not only to our own national security, our own national interests, but to the entire global community," he said.
"I’ve come to love the people of South Pacific – and PNG with its diverse of people and culture. I admire the way you solve issues in such a peaceful way.
"The United States presence in the Asia Pacific dates back over 70 years and we are happy to continue that in the best interest of the people."
The United States has bilateral acquisition and cross servicing agreements with over 100 countries around the world.
During Admiral Locklear’s visit to Port Moresby, he met with several civil and military leaders to re-affirm the strength of the US-PNG bilateral relations.
Admiral Locklear’s visit will also build ongoing military–to-military efforts as the US seeks a secure and prosperous PNG able to play a positive leadership role in the Pacific.
Defence Department Secretary John Porti thanked the US for being the leader in security with the agreement to providing military logistical support.
"What we have signed signifies an important milestone for the force and we will ensure it is utilised in the best interest of our people," he said.
PNG Defence Force Commander Brigadier General Gilbert Toropo and Secretary for Defence John Porti met with the US Pacific Command commander Admiral Samuel Locklear and the US defence attaché to PNG, Commander Scott Sherhard, to sign the agreement at Murray Barracks yesterday.
The bilateral agreement will facilitate the exchange of logistics support, supplies and services during exercises, training or emergencies such as disasters.
The agreement provides the basic framework for co-operation in military logistic matters.
The overall purpose is to increase readiness of military partnership by reducing the initial logistics hurdles.
Admiral Locklear said the agree-ment was for the common good of the South Pacific and Asia Pacific as a whole and does not in any way commit either country to any military action.
"As a nation, the United States continues its re-balance efforts in the Asia–Pacific because we see the importance of Asia, not only to our own national security, our own national interests, but to the entire global community," he said.
"I’ve come to love the people of South Pacific – and PNG with its diverse of people and culture. I admire the way you solve issues in such a peaceful way.
"The United States presence in the Asia Pacific dates back over 70 years and we are happy to continue that in the best interest of the people."
The United States has bilateral acquisition and cross servicing agreements with over 100 countries around the world.
During Admiral Locklear’s visit to Port Moresby, he met with several civil and military leaders to re-affirm the strength of the US-PNG bilateral relations.
Admiral Locklear’s visit will also build ongoing military–to-military efforts as the US seeks a secure and prosperous PNG able to play a positive leadership role in the Pacific.
Defence Department Secretary John Porti thanked the US for being the leader in security with the agreement to providing military logistical support.
"What we have signed signifies an important milestone for the force and we will ensure it is utilised in the best interest of our people," he said.
PNG Today/ Post Courier
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