Prime Minister Peter O'Neill today announced the forthcoming visit to Papua New Guinea by the President of India, H.E Pranab Mukherjee.
PM O'Neill said the historic two-day visit by President Mukherjee, from April 28-29, will be the first-ever visit by a Head of State of India and South Asia and will mark a significant milestone for Papua New Guinea - India relations.
"This has opened a new chapter in further expanding cooperation and forgoing partnership at the bilateral, regional and international levels."
Prime Minister O'Neill said the country's economic base has expanded after a decade of positive growth and PNG needs to continue this momentum by ensuring a steady increase in investment flows from regional and international partners like India.
He further added that the new foreign policy outlook aims to increase this momentum to grow PNG's connections and also to develop partnerships that are comprehensive and long-term so that it promotes and encourages the strengthening of PNG's national prosperity and wellbeing.
Both leaders will witness the signing of a number of agreements and projects during this visit, which includes a grant of K7.2 million prescriptions for HIV/AIDS and ancillary equipment; the refurbishing of the Mount Hagen National & Supreme Courts; Madang-Baiyer Road; and Kimbe Highway in West New Britain Province, totaling about US$100 million on a line of credit by the Exim Bank of India.
"We will continue the exchanges of high-level visits between Papua New Guinea and India to further deepen the spirit of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
"India is one of the largest and most successful democracies in the world and we are deeply honoured that the President of India has chosen to visit Papua New Guinea."
The President will depart Papua New Guinea on April 29.
(President of India Pranab Mukherjee. Picture: rajastthannews.com)