PNG deploys military personnel to Israel for intensive training

Deputy Prime Minister Leo Dion farewell the soldiers

The Government of Papua New Guinea has deployed over 20 of its military and police personnel to Israel for a month-long intensive security training. Deputy Prime Minister Leo Dion was at the airport last Saturday, on behalf of Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill, to farewell these young officers. “This is a proud moment for your families as well as for PNG, as you will be proudly flying our national flag in Israel,” Mr Dion said.

He said the training for the next four weeks may be intense however in the end it will be worth it. This is a historical event as you are the pride of this nation – the first batch that will undergo very tough training in Israel,” Mr Dion said. He congratulated the young officers and encouraged them to put in their best efforts in the coming weeks. “On behalf of the Prime Minister, the Government and people of PNG, we look forward to your success and your capacity to return and impart your skills and knowledge to your fellow officers,” Mr Dion said.

These officers ages range between 25 and 35 and were selected according to their physically appearances and after meeting various health requirements. The contingent comprises of 10 officers from the Royal PNG Constabulary and 10 from the PNG Defence Force, who are accompanied by five protocol officers. This intensive security training follows an agreement signed between the governments of PNG and Israel last year, during Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill’s official visit to Israel. “This security training arrangement is also to prepare PNG’s security forces for the upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Corporation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit, which will be hosted here in Port Moresby in 2018,” Mr Dion reiterated. He said they arrived yesterday and are expected to commence training today