PNG RECEIVES K11MIL FROM JAPAN OSA

PICTURE CAPTION: Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Iwaya Takeshi and counterpart Minister, Justin Tkatchenko met on the margins of the celebrations to discuss and solidify PNG-Japanese relations and to further the defence partnership.

BY NIGEL MADO

IN the spirit of friendship and a renewal of traditional bilateral ties, the Governments of both Japan and Papua New Guinea have announced that both will be working closely to strengthen defence cooperation.

In the special visit by the Japanese Envoy to PNG for the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations, Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Iwaya Takeshi and counterpart Minister, Justin Tkatchenko met on the margins of the celebrations to discuss and solidify PNG-Japanese relations and to further the defence partnership.

During this meeting, both ministers signed and exchanged notes for 400-million-yen [K11mil] for Japan’s Official Security Assistance [OSA].

According to Minister Iwaya, the OSA will look to strengthening capacities for disaster relief and infrastructure development of Papua New Guinea through the provision of heavy machinery for disaster relief and road construction to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF).

Both Ministers stated that they appreciated the development in defence cooperation between Japan Self-Défense Force (JSDF) and Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), as this demonstrates commitment to peace, stability and security in the region.

Minister Iwaya stated that they are looking forward to seeing the PNGDF demonstrate their capabilities for national and regional security in the Pacific, and Japan will work shoulder to shoulder to support their effort, including through the provision of Official Security Assistance (OSA).