Australian Defence Force signs Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement with PNG Defence Force

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) Commander Joint Logistics, Rear Admiral Clint Thomas, has signed a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement with his PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) counterpart, Chief of Logistics Colonel Ben Siria.

The Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement will facilitate reciprocal logistics support between the ADF and the PNGDF.

Rear Admiral Thomas and Colonel Siria discussed how the arrangement could be put into practice for the benefit of the PNGDF. They discussed the significant existing cooperation between the two militaries, with logistics experts already conducting exchanges between Port Moresby and Townsville, along with infrastructure, supply, maintenance and equipment support provided through the Defence Cooperation Program. They also discussed how the PNG-Australia Defence Cooperation Program can be further tailored to support the PNGDF’s logistics capabilities.

Rear Admiral Thomas said: “I look forward to the arrangement being an important means of building the PNGDF’s logistics capability, which will support the PNGDF’s development as a more capable, sustainable and professional regional security partner.

“The Defence Cooperation Program with PNG is our largest with any country, with approximately approximately K53 million allocated in the 2014-15 financial year and this is set to increase in 2015-16.”