O’Neill, Pruaitch congratulate Morrison

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has congratulated the Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, on the re-election of his coalition government.

PM O’Neill said when it comes to Australian domestic politics, the Government of Papua New Guinea will always work closely with the elected government of the day irrespective of politics.

When sending his congratulatory message, O’Neill also thanked the outgoing Labor Leader, Bill Shorten, for his support for Papua New Guinea during his term as Opposition Leader.

“The Government looks forward to completing joint projects that we have underway with Australia that will benefit both countries.”

PM O’Neill added that the Government has a close working relationship with Scott Morrison and the Coalition government in Australia that has been built over several years, and this will continue.

“Together, we are completing the delivery of the undersea telecommunications cable that will provide faster and cheaper internet access for Papua New Guineans.

“In healthcare, we have a number of joint initiatives that are saving lives, our education capacity building programs are helping teachers in rural areas, and our police cooperation program is enhancing the capacity of police in our country.”

Meantime, Opposition Leader Patrick Pruaitch also sent his congratulatory message to the reelected Australian Prime Minister.

Pruaitch said Morrison’s victory was due to his decisive leadership style and his ability to convince Australian voters of the importance of good management of the Australian economy in these uncertain times.

He added that in terms of PNG’s strong bilateral relationship with Australia, he would like to see the Australian government resolve the issue of refugees held in Manus, most of whom are in poor mental health after languishing there for the last six years.

(Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, left, re-elected Australian PM Scott Morrison and Patrick Pruaitch)

 

Author: 
Freddy Mou