New Zealand Foreign Minister Ron Mark was in Papua New Guinea last week to conclude a bilateral status of forces agreement with his counterpart Minister of Defence Solan Mirisim in Port Moresby.
Mr Mark also visited at the time PNG is going through a tough time with the earthquake disaster that struck at least four provinces, Southern Highlands, Hela, Western and parts of Enga and West Sepik, killing more than 100 people.
While in PNG, Mr Mark met with Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, Defence Minister Solan Mirisim, and Minister for Police Jelta Wong and Minister for APEC Justin Tkatchenko.
He also engaged with a range of counterparts and contacts, as well as meeting with New Zealanders living and working in Papua New Guinea.
“It is a great chance to strengthen relationships with Papua New Guinea’s leadership ahead of APEC 2018, and to discuss New Zealand’s support to their efforts,” he said.
“Our nations have a long history of cooperation and engagement and New Zealand is pleased to be able to continue this by supporting the successful hosting of APEC 2018.
“We discussed matters of interest to Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. I guess what was important is that we first had to sign the forces agreement, which we have done, get an overview as to how things are progressing in terms of APEC, particularly on those matters being managed by the defence force.
“As outlined by the Minister for Foreign Affairs last week, New Zealand is committed to the Pacific, and we see our relationship with Papua New Guinea as a vital piece of our work in the region.
“And how the New Zealanders working alongside Papua New Guineans are faring, the progress they a making, their contribution, it is up to the standards that we are helping Papua New Guinea, whether or not we are helpful, and I am very pleased to say that having spoken to your Minister Solan Mirisim, PNG is very happy with that and that makes me happy,” Mr Mark said.