PNG pledges $3.7M to create regional office on Palau

PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill

The government of Papua New Guinea has pledged $3.7 million for the creation of the Smaller Island States regional office in the Republic of Palau.

PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neil made the pledge during Palau and PNG’s bilateral meeting at the recently held 7th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting or PALM7 in Japan.

Palau President Tommy Remengesau did not divulge information regarding the construction or the location of the regional office, but he did disclose some information regarding the pending air service agreement between the two island nations for the operation of Air Nuigini to Palau.

He said this air service agreement, which will provide direct flights from Palau to the South Pacific, is near finalization.

In the meantime, PNG and Air Niugini will be providing chartered flights at a discounted rate to Palau’s athletes traveling to Port Moresby for the Pacific Games in July.

Prime Minister O’Neil also expressed support for the marine sanctuary and looks forward to sharing key marine surveillance technology with Palau.

PALM7 ended on May 23, 2015 as leaders continue to work in partnership building up to the 46th Pacific Islands Forum to be held in Port Moresby, PNG on Sept. 7-11, 2015.

SOURCE: OCEANIA TV NEWS