PNG and New Zealand agree for more regular meetings
Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko and New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters agreed that the way forward to progress cooperative arrangements was to ensure more structured annual meetings at the ministerial level.
The consensus was reached following the bilateral meetings in Port Moresby on Monday.
At a joint press conference, Mr Tkatchenko expressed the Marape-Rosso Government's commitment to work in closer partnership with the New Zealand Government.
"We must have more consultations at the ministerial level on an annual basis, to regularly consolidate what we know, for our collaborations, and to ensure we have the intended outcomes for the benefit of Papua New Guinea and New Zealand."
He added that regular ministerial consultation will ensure that arrangements agreed upon are implemented.
Mr Tkatchenko noted discussions on the need to review the PNG-New Zealand Statement of Partnership, which covers a broad spectrum of initiatives and program collaborations in areas of mutual interest.
The New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters said, "We've covered a lot of areas today [Monday] we've got to work on in the future, that's for a fact," Peters said.
"We work towards contributing, and New Zealand's commitments are about supporting Papua New Guinea to achieve its development priorities.
"We have committed to working closely with Papua New Guinea and other Pacific partners to address the shared issues within the region, including basic climate change, security, and economic resilience. And what we learn separately or together, we can help each other," Mr Peters said.
Mr Tkatchenko also acknowledged the Defence engagements, which he said was a key strength of PNG-New Zealand relations.
"PNG appreciates the valued training it received over the years from the exchange postings and training.
"l also acknowledge and thank New Zealand for funding the establishment of the Kumul Leadership Centre at Murray Barracks. Thus further builds on ongoing cooperation between the two defense forces.”
Mr Tkatchenko about trade and investment added that discussions also detailed a path to better trade relationships, to strengthen and pave the way forward to an agreement beneficial to both countries. This includes the possibility of direct flights between New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
Conversations at the bilateral meeting also highlighted the success of the Recognized Seasonal Employer [RSE] Program, in the Hawkes Bay Region, New Zealand, and improvement in terms of the development and human welfare of Papua New Guineans engaged.
"We will work together on this to increase the number of Papua New Guineans going to New Zealand. We also intend to assist recruit specialized RSE liaison officers and have them based in our PNG High Commission in New Zealand," Mr Tkatchenko said.
"This will help us assist and guide New Zealand through better processes for the benefit of our citizens seeking these opportunities, and for entities through the Government who seek seasonal workers."