PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill congratulates Canadian PM

The Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has extended his congratulations to the Prime Minister-designate of Canada, Hon. Justin Trudeau on his party’s success in the Canadian election.

"I congratulate Mr Trudeau on his imminent election as the Prime Minister of Canada, and I look forward to a positive working relationship between our two Governments.

“Regardless of geographical distance, the relationship between Papua New Guinea and Canada is strong and continues to grow.”

PM O’Neill said he will pursue opportunities to expand trade and cultural links between Papua New Guinea and the incoming Government of Canada.

“Papua New Guinea and Canada meet often, particularly through forums such as the Commonwealth and APEC, and we share common positions on a number of issues relating to trade and development.

“Trade between our countries is modest but we have scope to improve this in the coming years.

“There is the opportunity to increase agricultural exports to Canada particularly in our higher quality coffee, and fisheries products.

“I look forward to meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau at the APEC Leaders’ Summit that will take place in the Philippines in November.

“Very importantly, I look forward to receiving Prime Minister Trudeau in Papua New Guinea for the APEC Leaders’ Summit in Port Moresby in November 2018.”

Prime Minister O’Neill offered his fond regards to outgoing Canadian Prime Minister, Hon. Stephen Harper PC MP, at the completion of his time in Government.

“I offer my best wishes to Stephen Harper and thank him for the relationship he maintained with Papua New Guinea.

“At APEC and other forums I shared a number of common perspectives with Prime Minister Harper and appreciated his interest in Papua New Guinea."