PNG Prime Minister O'Neill welcomes agreements made on visit to Japan
The Prime Minister’s released a Joint Message (Attached) at the conclusion of their meeting at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office in the evening of 15 October.
PM O’Neill said the relationship between the people of Papua New Guinea and Japan continues to go from strength-to-strength and this is good news for people across the nation.
"Papua New Guinea has a true friend in Japan and our relationship has grown over the past 40 years,” the Prime Minister said.
“There are thousands of Papua New Guineans who are employed through the export income we earn from trade with Japan.
“This includes sales of our tuna and from our LNG, and in the future will expand to additional agricultural goods, methanol production and the down-stream processing of gas into petrochemical products.
“Our exports to Japan, and the jobs and business this creates will continue to increase.
“I have further sought from Prime Minister Abe a commitment from Japan for PNG Gas to be priority source for Japan’s energy needs and this will now be considered.
"What this means is that PNG Gas becomes a priority supplier to Japan’s gas market.”
“There are currently two key strategic investment areas for Japanese capital in Papua New Guinea. These are in the energy sector, fisheries, and forestry, and also hotels, travel and tourism.
“We would now like to increase investment in the areas of agriculture and information technology.
“The Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement between Papua New Guinea has also now become effective and this will help stimulate further investment in these areas.
“The Business Forum that has taken part in during this visit is the first under that IPPA and will deliver results for both countries.”
The Prime Minister said agreement has also been reached that will allow Japanese and Papua New Guinean diplomats and officials to visit each other’s country and receive a visa on arrival.
“Our countries have agree to facilitate visa on arrival for diplomats and officials with the next stage to be negotiated for all passports of both countries.
“This will ultimately increase official, leisure and business travel to both countries by removing red tape.
“We thank Japan for the respect and confidence it has shown to Papua New Guinea as we work through this process.”
PM O’Neill said the nation’s relationship with Japan is based on more than trade, it is also about people and cultural exchange.
“There are more tourists than ever before visiting Papua New Guinea from Japan, and that number will continues to rise.
“Some people come for leisure and others come for business.
“The demand is so high that Air Niugini is doubling its flight to Papua New Guinea that will soon be twice weekly between Port Moresby and Tokyo.
“This additional flight each week will further stimulate business and tourism.”
During the visit the Prime Minister highlighted Papua New Guinea’s respect for the remains of Japanese soldiers that lay buried in Papua New Guinea, and the Government’s commitment to help return more home.
“In Japan, like in Papua New Guinea, it is important to return the bodies of people to their home after they have died.
“The search will continue for the lost remains of Japanese soldiers and we will work with Japan to help more to return home.”
This is the second Official Visit by Prime Minister O’Neill to Japan and comes after the Official Visit by Prime Minister Abe to Papua New Guinea in 2014.
The Prime Minister is accompanied by Ms Babao-O'Neill, Ministers of State including Foreign Affairs and Immigration, State Owned Enterprises, and National Planning, and a private sector delegation of over 30 businesspeople.
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