The Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, is currently on a state visit to the Republic of the Philippines.
The visit will include a number of formal events with the President of the Philippines, H.E. Rodrigo Roa Duterte, and meetings with technical experts in areas that include rice production.
He will also discuss a number of emerging bilateral opportunities between the two countries.
The Prime Minister said the two countries share a very warm history that continues to grow as greater technical and cultural exchange takes place.
O’Neill said he is looking forward to expanding opportunities for bilateral engagement in agriculture while one of the most important elements in this visit will be to discuss opportunities for technical support from the Philippines to grow rice in Papua New Guinea.
He added that Philippines is a world leader in rice cultivation, and they are interested to work with Papua New Guinea to expand our production.
He added that the engagement between Papua New Guinea and the Philippines go back to the 1800s when Filipino missionaries accompanied European Catholic priests to live with our people.
As nation-states, Mr O’Neill said PNG and the Philippines have had diplomatic relations for 43 years, and it is important that the two countries continue to strengthen their engagement.
Today, there are more than 35,000 Filipinos living in PNG, making them largest group of expatriates in the country.
The Prime Minister said many Filipinos provide services in sectors that include healthcare and education, as well as working in many businesses.
Picture: Philipines Education minister meeting the PM at the airport