PNG Prime Minister O'Neill congratulates Queensland Premier

PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill congratulates Queensland
Premier Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk. Photo credit: ABC 

Papua New Guinea  Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill has extended his congratulations to the new Premier of Queensland, Hon Annastacia Palaszczuk PM, and expressed desire to continue building trade and cultural relations.

The Prime Minister said as the closest geographical Australian state, Queensland has strong ongoing connections with Papua New Guinea that he hopes will continue to expand.

“I congratulate Premier Palaszczuk on her appointment this week and look forward to the opportunity to meet in person,” Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill said.

“There is a great deal of interaction between Queensland and Papua New Guinea that covers a range of sectors and we appreciate this engagement. “A number of Papua New Guinean’s are living, working and studying in Queensland and there is an increasing number of Queenslanders that we are welcoming to Papua New Guinea.

“Business linkages between Papua New Guinea and Queensland continue to grow each year, and we will continue to take advantage of our geographical proximity. “We share a sea border across which our people move freely for traditional visits and this shared cultural history is important.

“Police from Papua New Guinea are also taking part in training programs with Queensland Police and this will be of great benefit. “Queensland police are experienced in many of the cultural issues that confront Papua New Guinea police, so I hope the learning and exchange will benefit both police forces.”

Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill said in sport there is ongoing competition and training, the most high profile being the entry of the SP Hunters into the Queensland Rugby League competition.

“Rugby League is a passion for many Papua New Guineans, with many being ardent fans of the Maroons. “We hope in the years ahead to welcome the Queensland team to Papua New Guinea for a State of Origin match at our new stadium. “This year we will welcome the Queensland teams and their supporters who will visit Papua New Guinea for SP Hunters Games this year. “I invite Premier Palaszczuk to visit Papua New Guinea to continue to develop our economic and cultural linkages.”