Papua New Guinea and European Union strengthen Political Dialogue

In the context of strengthening bilateral political relations, the Second Papua New

GuineaEuropean Union Political Outreach Dialogue took place in Port Moresby on January 29,

2015 at the European Union Delegation's office to discuss both the EU's and PNG's foreign policy

perspectives for 2015.

The Department of Foreign Affairs was led by Mr J. Ovia, Chief of Protocol of the Diplomatic and

Consular Affairs Division and Mr C. Kayo, Director General for the Multilateral & Development

Corporation Division, accompanied by Senior Officials from the Department and a group of 30

trainees who are participating in a PNG's foreign service training programme. The European Union

was represented by EU Ambassador HE Martin Dihm, French Ambassador HE Pascal Maubert and

Bristish High Commissioner HE Simon Tonge and EU Delegation staff.

EU Ambassador Martin Dihm said: "I warmly thank the Department of Foreign Affairs for coming

over and the excellent dialogue we had today. Listening and understanding each other is crucial for

us in our ongoing efforts to strengthen the PNG-EU relations. This dialogue follows through from the

first-ever formal political dialogue held in 2014 when we started to upgrade our political relations."

On behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs Mr Ovia and Mr Kayo said: "Let us also express our

appreciation and interest to further strengthen our relations. We acknowledge the importance of

the EU's political, trade and aid portfolios in Papua New Guinea. We look forward to further expand

our relations during the years to come in support of government's strategies and vision for Papua

New Guinea"

The exchange covered a wide range of issues of mutual interest to both Papua New Guinea and

the Union. It included domestic and regional issues as well as forthcoming events for Papua New

Guinea, and recent developments in the EU, in particular, the most recent changes in leadership of

the European Institutions.

Discussions included an overview of the EU aid portfolio in Papua New Guinea, human rights and

gender or trade and fisheries. Possible multilateral cooperation on global issues of common interest,

such as climate change and the Post-2015 Development Agenda were also on the agenda.

It was agreed that these discussions are very valuable and that regular mutual updates will be very

useful. Papua New Guinea has also been invited to join its European counterparts at the EU

Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, in the near future for further discussions on political, aid and

trade matters.