PNG Foreign Minister Advances Pacific Island Nations Concerns at ASEAN Meeting

Papua New Guinea  Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Rimbink Pato has raised issues of concern to Papua New Guinea, and Pacific Islands States, at the 22nd ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting that is taking place in Malaysia this week.

Speaking at the Ministerial Meeting, Minister Pato said as the largest Pacific Island nation, Papua New Guinea has an important role in carrying the view of island countries to regional forums.

He said there are a number of matters of concern that Papua New Guinea can champion for the Pacific Region including smaller developing states.

“Ensuring greater connectivity between communities and countries, working together to prevent illicit maritime activities, and the impact of climate change on food security are extremely important issues in the Pacific.

“I will chair the 13th Southwest Pacific Dialogue (SPD) meeting that will be attended by Foreign Minister from Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Indonesia and Timor Leste.

“At the SPD I will ensure that these crucial issues are discussed and viable options to strengthen pacific states in these areas will be considered.

“If we do not address these issues our communities around the region will suffer, particularly on crucial areas such as fisheries management.”

The Foreign Minister said Papua New Guinea has been stepping up its engagement in international forums over recent years, and that is delivering benefits for Papua New Guinea though increased economic development and cultural exchange.

“Papua New Guinea is seeking full membership of ASEAN and it is thus important to keep connected to the growth economies of ASEAN countries.

“There are tremendous opportunities for Papua New Guineans in the ASEAN region with the opportunity to sell our goods, engage in educational exchange and bring tourists to our country.”

Foreign Minister Pato has confirmed a series of meeting that have taken place with counterparts of some of Papua New Guinea’s key bilateral ASEAN Member partners.

These include meetings with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Cambodia, H.E. Hor Nambomg; the Host Foreign Minister from Malaysia, Dato' Sri Mohd. Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak; the Foreign Minister of Indonesia, H.E. Retno L Marsudi. The Foreign Minister of the Philippines, H.E. Albert F. de Rosario; the Foreign Minister of the Fepublic of Korea, H.E. Yun Byumg Se; the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Thailand; the Foreign Minister of the People’s Democratic Republic of Lao, H. E. Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith.

During the meeting in Malaysia, Foreign Minister Pato said he expected to have a meeting the Philippines Foreign Minister to specifically discuss the particulars of the visit to Papua New Guinea by the Philippines President in September.

The Philippines will also be hosting the APEC Leaders Meeting this year that will be attended by the Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O’Neill CMG MP.

Attendance at the Minister’s meetings in Malaysia further follows on from the Minister’s attendance at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Open Debate in New York on 30 July.

The UNSC Meeting was presided over by New Zealand as it sponsored a rare opportunity for debate on issues for small Island States.

Minister Pato presented a paper on Papua New Guinea’s policy positions covering a number of regional issues to the UNSC.

Seventy-one Small Island States, represented by Heads of Government and Foreign Ministers, participated at this important open date at the United Nations.