MINISTER PAYNE TO VISIT PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, will travel to Papua New Guinea from 31 August to 1 September 2017, to discuss Australia’s strong bilateral defence relationship and mutual interest in regional stability with the new Papua New Guinea Government.

 Minister Payne will meet Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister the Hon Peter O’Neill CMG MP, and newly appointed Minister for Defence, the Hon Solan Mirisim MP, in Port Moresby.

 Minister Payne will also meet with the Commander of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Brigadier General Gilbert Toropo CBE, and the Acting Secretary of the Papua New Guinea Department of Defence, Mr Trevor Meauri.

 “Australia enjoys a strong and mutually beneficial defence partnership with Papua New Guinea, reflecting the historical depth of our friendship and bilateral relationship,” Minister Payne said.

 “This visit is an important opportunity to discuss a range of shared interests including maritime security and Australia’s commitment to support Papua New Guinea to host a safe and secure APEC in 2018.”

 During the visit, Minister Payne will lay a wreath at Bomana War Cemetery in recognition of the 75th  Anniversary of the WWII Pacific Campaign to honour those Australians and Papua New Guineans who lost their lives.