Walter North

PM O’Neill made the comments following a farewell call from Ambassador North prior to his return to the United States at the end of this month.

The Prime Minister further thanked Ambassador North for his commitment to empowering communities and enhancing social relations between the people of Papua New Guinea and the United States.

“Ambassador North has a genuine commitment to community development and improving living standards for our people,” the Prime Minister said.

 Polye’s remark stems from the United States Senate’s announcement of his successor Catherine Ebert-Gray.

As the alternative Prime Minister, Polye said under North’s leadership since 2012 the country’s relationship with the United States had reached greater heights and under that the country also saw a rise in American investors in PNG among others.

“On behalf of our alternative government, let me thank the out-going Ambassador for an outstanding service for the betterment of both countries.

“Your legacy will live forever in the shores of PNG and abroad,” he said.

Ambassador-Designate Ebert-Gray is expected to assume her position in early 2016. She will be succeeding Ambassador Walter E. North who has served in this position since 2012.

Ambassador-designate Ebert-Gray, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, currently serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Administration’s Office of Logistics Management, a position she has held since 2011.

One of her first assignments as a foreign service officer was to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Republic of Vanuatu.