Prime Minister Peter O'Neill Expresses Appreciation for TOTAL Interest in PNG

The Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill  has expressed great support for the relationship between Papua New Guinea and TOTAL SA from France, who are leading the Papua LNG project.

PM O’Neill said the Papua LNG project will deliver 13,000 new jobs in the coming years and is being undertaken in a manner that uses the latest technology to ensure safety and environmental standards.

The Prime Minister made the comments following a meeting with the TOTAL Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Patrick Pouyanné, in Paris last week.

“Patrick Pouyanné and his team have a clear appreciation of Papua New Guinea, and will enjoy a long-lasting relationship with our country,” the Prime Minister said.

“Staff are already moving from France to Papua New Guinea and local workers are being employed in preparation for the construction phase of the Papua LNG project.

“The local workers will be not only in Port Moresby, but there will also be thousands of employed in Gulf Province.”

PM O’Neill further expressed his appreciation for the personal interest the TOTAL CEO had shown in the Papua New Guinea during his travels around the nation.

“Patrick Pouyanné has taken the time on personal vacation to travel around Papua New Guinea and has a genuine interest in our people and our culture.

“He has seen the diversity of the nation and encourages TOTAL staff to get out of their offices and travel around our country and meet our people.”

The meeting with Mr Pouyanné was also attended by Minister for Minister Petroleum and Energy, Hon. Ben Micah MP, Governor for Gulf Province, Hon. Havila Kavo MP, and senior TOTAL Management, and included a visit to the TOTAL Centre Scientifique et Technique Jean Féger.

“I have great confidence in the manner in which TOTAL is approaching the Papua LNG project, and the technology that is being applied.

“Our delegation had the opportunity to visit TOTAL’s research and development facility and we were impressed.

“Research is underway that will make the development and operation of the Papua LNG project more accurate in sourcing gas, safer for workers and minimize impact on the environment.

“These are essential elements in ensuring the Papua LNG project is properly delivered.

“Discussion between Papua New Guinea and TOTAL has been underway for five years now, and while there have been complex issues to deal with, we have made great progress.”

Photo: PM O'Neill in Paris,France 

(Left to Right) French Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, H.E. Pascal Maubert, Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O’Neill CMG MP, Governor for Gulf Province, Hon. Havila Kavo MP, and TOTAL Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Patrick Pouyanné in Paris, France.