A proposed Bill to solve mischiefs in foreign relations

Wednesday, 3 July 2024, 3:13 pm

A Bill to give the Department of Foreign Affairs oversight in all international engagement has been proposed.

This is one of the recommendations contained in the draft copy of the PNG Foreign Policy White Paper presented to Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko on Monday in Port Moresby.

Since Independence, National Parliament has not enacted a legislation to give clear direction on the role of the Department of Foreign Affairs in all matters of international relations.

And the white paper working committee was bestowed with an approval from the Marape - Rosso Government, nearly 12 months ago, to draw up a clear direction for PNG's engagement on the global stage.

After a nationwide consultation, the Imminent Persons Group chaired by Sir Charles Lepani, Dame Meg Taylor, Winnie Kiap, Dame Jean Kekedo, Gabriel Pepson, Gabriel Dusava, Dr Clement Waine, Robert Igara and Douveri Henao compiled the draft copy of the white paper.

Mr Henao said the proposed Bill is one of the recommendations "to resolve a coordination mechanism that the Foreign Minister and (Department of Foreign Affairs) Secretary will have the opportunity to provide important pre-clearance advise on any foreign relations that we have across the world.

This means that the Department of Foreign Affairs must be engaged any matters of national interest from trade, security, climate change, etc.

Mr Henao further said the Bill also aims to  "solve mischiefs" from empowering the country's foreign missions to giving the Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary "Secretary to the government not to department."

The last PNG Foreign Policy White Paper was approved by Parliament in 1981, and Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko when receiving the draft copy of the Foreign Policy described it as a "great 50 years gift" for the country.

"My job is to do the last part of implementation," Mr Tkatchenko said.

The draft will be taken to the National Executive Council for endorsement before it makes it to the floor of Parliament for its passage.