Defence Minister Solan Mirisim

The officers are attending the Future Leaders’ Summit in Port Moresby.

Minister Mirisim, when speaking at the welcome dinner, told the young officers that it is extremely important to work together, and more closely.

He said the region is now the focus of global attention because of its vast marine, mineral and agriculture resources, including our human capital.

The Future Leaders’ Summit was attended by young officers from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga, with representatives from France and Chile.

Defence Minister Solan Mirisim revealed this in his statement to Parliament on the 2016 Defence Annual Report and Policy Undertakings.

Mirisim said this is one of the capacity building directives under PNG’s development goals.

The minister also highlighted the increased women numbers in the Force.

“There are over 70 female soldiers in various capacities across the Force. There is one female Navy officer, one civil engineer, two lawyers, seven medical doctors, 40 nurses and the rest are in the infantry or operational units,” said the Minister.