PNG conveys Condolences to Australia for the tragic loss of lives on Malaysia Airline crash

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Hon Rimbik Pato OBE LLB MP, today conveyed his sincere condolences to his counterpart, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, the Hon Julie Bishop, on the tragic loss of lives of the 28 Australians resulting from the shooting down of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 over the Ukraine.

Whilst in Australia to attend a Ministerial Meeting with his counterpart on Australia/PNG bilateral matters, and in particular, the Manus Refugee Regional Resettlement Arrangement issues.

He also conveys, on behalf of the Government and people of Papua New Guinea, his sincere condolences to the Malaysian Government and people of Malaysia, and all other of our close friendly countries such as the Netherlands for the loss of their citizens in that incident.

The Minister committed the support of the Government of Papua New Guinea in the United Nations and other relevant international bodies and systems to permit independent investigations to search for the incident’s causation; and bring to justice those who have perpetrated what appears to be a criminal act when the international focus is to pursue peace and stability around the world.