Prime Minister O'Neill prepares to welcome Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

The Prime Minister, Hon Peter O’Neill CMG MP, is preparing to welcome Japan’s Prime Minister, Hon Shinzo Abe, to Papua New Guinea in what he said is another step in the ongoing strengthening of relations between the two Pacific nations.

“The relationship between Papua New Guinea and Japan has been growing from strength to strength,” Prime Minister O’Neill said.

“Our bilateral engagement is important for ongoing economic growth in both economies and is delivering business opportunities and jobs.

“Papua New Guinea’s first LNG export was delivered to Japan in June, and future shipments will continue to be a source of power for Japanese economic activity for many years into the future.

“The potential of Papua New Guinea as an investment destination for Japan is already recognized, and this visit by Prime Minister Abe and his business delegation will result in further investment and commerce.”

During the visit, the Prime Ministers and their delegations will discuss issues relating to bilateral, regional and global cooperation. This will include:
· The Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement
· The Technical Cooperation Agreement
· Stability in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville
· Exchange Programs
· Multiple Entry Visa for Short-term Stay and Waiver of Visa
· The Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA)
· Trap Net
· Climate Change
· Japan’s engagement with the Pacific Islands Forum

Prime Minister Abe will pay a courtesy call on the Governor-General, Grand Chief Sir Michael Ogio, and will also visit the Japanese Peace Park in Wewak, East Sepik Province.

The visit by Prime Minister Abe will be the first visit to Papua New Guinea by a Prime Minister of Japan for nearly three decades following the last visit in 1985.

Japan and Papua New Guinea established diplomatic relations in 1975.