Pokanis hails 51 years of bilateral ties with Philippines

Papua New Guinea’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Stephen Pokanis, has extended warm independence greetings to both nations while celebrating 51 years of strong bilateral relations and economic partnership.

Speaking on the country’s 51st Independence Anniversary, Pokanis acknowledged the Government and people of the Republic of the Philippines as the first international community to formally recognise PNG’s independence on Sept 16, 1975.

"Since then, our two governments have established diplomatic and economic ties coinciding with the Trade and Investment Partnership Agreement and established a Joint Economic and Trade Committee to boost cooperation," Pokanis said.

He said key areas of ongoing collaboration include agriculture, fisheries technology transfer, aquaculture, manufacturing, and air services.

Current trade between the two countries sees PNG exporting major commodities such as copper ore and frozen fish, while importing processed goods and food items from the Philippines.

Pokanis said the growing people-to-people connections, has paved way for more than 38,000 Filipinos who currently reside and work in Papua New Guinea, forming the nation's largest international community.

"Filipino professionals are contributing expansively to Papua New Guinea’s healthcare, education, business, mining, gas and oil industries, and infrastructure development," he said.

He expressed confidence in the continuing growth of the relationship, praying for ongoing prosperity and successful friendship between both countries.