APEC Preparations

Sir Mekere claimed that billions of kina have been spent directly and indirectly in preparing for the APEC Summit in November in Port Moresby.

Sir Mekere, when raising concerns during Parliament today, described the Government’s spending as unnecessary.

He added that the nation and the people are on high expectation of the immediate and long term benefits to be unleashed beginning in November during the APEC Summit.

He further described the people’s expectations as ‘king tide prosperity’ that will drown out the nation’s sorrow and improve our economy.

Named the Joint Task Force Group ‘Mero’, the troops are now engaged in Mission rehearsal exercises which started on June 12^th.

The troops have been tasked to carry out their mission rehearsal exercises as part of the commanding officer’s certification.

The Commanding Officer of Joint Task Force Group Mero, Lt Colonel Boniface Aruma, says this exercise is to asses if the troops have captured his intent.

The current exercise will involve vital asset protection, vehicle check, urban patrols as well as combat fitness assessment activities.

Yesterday (April 23) the media had another opportunity to raise more questions on the country’s security capabilities and arrangements.

They were assured that the support PNG is being given by international partners in this capacity continues to strengthen with every confidence PNG’s borders will be well taken care of come November.

Chief of Force Preparation with the PNG Defence Force, Colonel Siale Diro, made the assurance in the media briefing on APEC activities yesterday.

While more training is planned for this year before the month of November, Police Commissioner Gari Baki and the Commanding Officer of the 1^st Royal Pacific Islands Regiment say they will be ready.

1RPIR Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Boniface Aruma, says: “We started training for APEC preparations last year. Towards the end of last year we culminated with a conventional exercise.

PNGDF Chief of Force preparation, Colonel Siale Diro, said this on behalf of the NJST during his presentation to Head of Missions today in a Diplomatic Corp briefing.

The briefing was to update the diplomatic community on preparations for APEC 2018 and next year’s general election.

Colonel Diro said training programs between the PNGDF and the New Zealand, Australian and United States military have progressed well, particularly in the field of counterterrorism and hostage situations.