The Australian Government will expand its diplomatic presence in Papua New Guinea (PNG) through the establishment of an Australian Consulate-General in Lae.
Lae is PNG’s commercial capital, home of its largest port, and the gateway connecting PNG’s island regions and the highlands, where the majority of Papua New Guineans live.
Lae is integral to Australia’s $19 billion investment in PNG. The Consulate-General will strengthen Australia’s presence in PNG’s commercial capital and bolster the growing trade and investment relationship between the two countries.
The Consulate-General will also support the delivery of Australia’s $554.5 million aid investment in PNG, as well as offering consular and other services to the thousands of Australians living in the area.
The establishment of the Lae Consulate-General reflects the strong ties between our two countries.
This announcement follows positive discussions with Papua New Guinea today at the Australia-PNG Ministerial Forum, where we agreed on a concrete plan to strengthen our bilateral relationship.