Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, has arrived in Japan to attend the 42nd Group of Seven (G7) Summit, which commences today (27/05/16).
O’Neill and his delegation were received by the Japanese Vice Foreign Minister, Muto, the PNG Ambassador to Japan, Gabriel Dusava and other senior officials from both countries.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) countries, I am honored to attend this summit, where I will make interventions with other leaders participating in the G7 Outreach Meeting on topics relative to PNG’s economy, particularly on infrastructure development, promoting women’s participation in the economy and healthcare enhancement.
“I commend Japan for the initiatives and re-assure PNG and the PIF countries’ support for these initiatives as it resonates well with the region’s (Pacific) own efforts towards ensuring security, promoting public health and gender inclusiveness,” PM O’Neill said.
He said he would also reaffirm and commend Japan’s commitment to improve its ODA to US$200 billion to address demand in quality infrastructures in its partner countries especially in the Asia Pacific region.
PNG as current Chair of PIF, will keenly observe, engage and render support as appropriate to many of Japan’s regional and global initiatives, including peace, stability and maritime security for economic, trade and business exchanges both in our own region and the world at large.
“I will further reaffirm and commend Japan’s initiatives and commitment in the areas of Woman Empowerment and Universal Health Coverage for all.”
PNG will work closely with Japan to ensure productive cooperation in Health and Woman Empowerment.
On African issues, PNG is supportive of Japan’s initiatives on African development issues through its (PNG’s) cooperation in the ACP for sustainable development for its (ACP) member states and their gradual integration into the global economy, which entails making poverty reduction a matter of priority and establishing a new, fairer and more equitable world order.
PNG will play host to the 8thSummit of ACP Heads of State and Government from 30 May – 01 June 2016.
Building on the progress made at the Schloss Elmau Summit in Germany in 2015, at the G7 Ise-Shima Summit several issues with a specific relevance to women will be on the agenda.
These will include empowering women through education, promoting greater engagement in natural sciences and technology, and accelerating the international momentum for women to take on even greater roles in a wider range of areas.
I also look forward to my one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, to discuss important aspects of our ongoing bilateral partnership between PNG and Japan, on Saturday (28/05/16).
“I expect important areas of our cooperation in economic, trade and investment, tourism as well as PNG’s continuing supplier of Japan’s energy requirements in LNG.
“Of course, my participation at the G7 summit outreach meetings gives me rare opportunities to meet and engage with some of the most powerful economies and international organizations,” PM
O’Neill said.