Feakes departing words moves Tkatchenko as he retires from diplomatic post

The bilateral relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea must continue to create profound dialogues through the two governments, says retired Australian High Commissioner John Feakes.

The retired Australian High Commissioner to PNG called time on his diplomatic career after serving almost a decade in Port Moresby.

Feakes told Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko that he has relished working in PNG and hopes to see continued collaboration and robust diplomatic ties between the two countries.

"It's been absolute joy being here, you being frank with us makes life straight forward for us," he told Minister Tkatchenko.

The former high commissioner paid his final visit to Tkatchenko last Friday [April 25], before his departure this week.

Minister Tkatchenko commended Feakes for his strong support in the bilateral relations between PNG and Australia, during his time as the high commissioner.

"We look forward to working with you in whatever capacity outside in your new life as a private citizen," the Foreign Affairs minister said.

"Your honesty and straight-forwardness has always been good and you have supported us in a place where our relationship has grown from strength to strength.

Feakes had retired due to personal reasons. He served as High Commissioner since September 2023.

The ex-diplomatic officer previously served in Port Moresby as First Secretary from 2000 to 2003 and deputy High Commissioner from 2008 to 2012.

He was a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and also served as High Commissioner to Fiji.