PNGDF BOSS POLEWARA MEETS WORLD MILITARY LEADERS IN THAILAND

THE Chief of PNG Defence Force Rear Admiral Philip Polewara, DMS, CBE attended the annual Chiefs of Defence Conference in Hua Hin, Thailand from 26th – 28th August 2025.

During the conference, Rear Admiral Polewara had a significant opportunity to meet with the U.S.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine and Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of USINDOPACOM emphasizing and reaffirming the strong defence cooperation between the two countries in maintaining peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

US indicated its willingness and commitment to support PNG under the Defence Cooperation Agreement (2023) to build and enhance PNGDF capabilities acknowledging PNG as a leader in the Pacific.

This year’s conference is co-hosted by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and the Royal Thai Armed Forces bringing together senior military leaders from 29 nations.
The conference carried the theme “Peace through Strength – Ensuring Security and Prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

It highlighted the importance of collaboration to address complex and evolving security challenges across the region.