The Prime Minister of Australia’s first official visits to Papua New Guinea and India will focus on trade, security, economic growth and education.
In a statement, PM Malcolm Turnbull said: “I will spend 7-9 April in Papua New Guinea and 9-12 April in New Delhi and Mumbai.
“During my time in PNG, I will meet with Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and visit the Kokoda Track to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the New Guinea Campaign in World War Two.
“The visit is an opportunity to build upon our bilateral economic relationships in the Pacific, and will involve multiple business events, including a joint Australia-PNG Entrepreneur and Innovation Showcase.”
Turnbull says he looks forward to reflecting on their strong shared history, and cementing the special relationship with their neighbour.
“In New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I will discuss the enormous opportunities for collaboration between Australia and India,” he stated.
“With converging political, economic and strategic interests, we will use the meeting to strengthen our relationship even further for the benefit of both nations.
“India is the world’s fastest growing major economy. Two-way trade exceeded $19 billion in 2015-16 and there is scope for significant growth.”
(Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull with PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill at Parliament House in Canberra on Thursday 3, March 2016. Photo: Andrew Meares)