PNG's Foreign Affairs Minister thanks New Zealand for its ongoing support
Minister Pato held bilateral discussions with a number of his neighboring counterparts including New Zealand’s Murray McCully over the weekend in Beijing.
Mr Pato thanked his NZ counterpart for its government’s strong support in PNG hosting the 2018 APEC Summit and also expressed appreciation for the diplomatic training its government is currently providing to public servants in preparation for the 2018 APEC.
He respectively invited NZ to assist PNG in the administration and architectural structure of this 2018 international event.
“I extend my government’s appreciation to NZ for its renewable resources and sustainable development assistance in providing electricity to various remote parts of the Highlands of PNG,” Mr Pato said.
He subsequently invited Mr McCully to visit the Enga Province, particularly the remote areas where electricity is effectively changing their lives for the better.
“As the PNG Foreign Minister, I will do all I can to strengthen our relationship at the leaders’ level as well as the people-to-people level,” Mr Pato said.
He also assured PNG’s commitment to further enhance our partnership and thanked NZ for its continued efforts in bringing Fiji back to Democracy.
In response, Mr McCully extended NZ’s appreciation for PNG’s part in dealing with and assisting in Fiji’s issues, leading to its national democratic elections.
On connectivity, he extended PNG’s ongoing interest in establishing direct flights to NZ through an Air Service Agreement, given the increasing number of New Zealanders coming to PNG for temporary employment purposes.
Mr McCully welcomed the idea and recappedon NZ police presence in Bougainville and outlined NZ’s enthusiasm to work closely with the PNG Government, offering its assistance on issues on Bougainville, which PNGlacks capital and resources to manage.
Mr Pato further thanked the NZ Government for its police presence on Bougainville and acknowledged NZ’s ability to address PNG issues in the best manner possible.
“PNG is currently focusing not only on the Referendum, but on Bougainville’s infrastructure development, health and education improvement programs, among others,” Mr Pato said.
Upon Mr McCully’s invitation, Mr Pato said he would visit NZ in the coming months to further enhance our relations. PNG Today/Post Courier
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