PNG seeks full ASEAN membership
Fri Aug 01, 2008 12:00pm
Papua New Guinea is considering to upgrade its status with the
Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister, Sam Abal has been tasked by
Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare to see whether this is possible.
PNG currently has special observer status which it has enjoyed for
the last 28 years.
But Mr Abal, who recently returned from an ASEAN meeting in
Singapore, has said that the Government believes the country can
benefit more once becoming a full member.
"ASEAN seems to be a dynamic region, as far as the world is
concerned, and things have moved from the US and Europe and things are
happening in the Asia region," Mr Abal said.
" Therefore, we have to make a strong decision on it.
"So in terms of
economic possibilities, PNG might get a lot of opportunities out of
ASEAN," he said. He will also brief Sir Michael on discussions held at the ASEAN
meeting. |
