YWAM Medical Ships and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel have signed an agreement to work together for PNG’s development.
A joint Declaration of Intent (DOI) was signed last Friday aboard the YWAM Medical Ship, MV YWAM PNG.
The DOI outlines a mutual desire to work together for the development of PNG, including the provision of medical treatment, training opportunities for PNG’s health workforce and capacity building projects.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel will also be encouraging Israeli medical professionals to volunteer on board MV YWAM PNG in rural and remote areas of PNG.
The Ambassador of Israel to Australia and PNG, Ambassador Shmuel Ben-Shmuel, said he was pleased to sign the DOI on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“YWAM Medical Ships is achieving such wonderful outcomes in remote areas of Papua New Guinea. This unique partnership is the first of its kind, aiming to bring Israeli doctors, surgeons and specialists to serve on the ship to support the delivery of expert healthcare,” said Ambassador Ben-Shmuel.
YWAM Medical Ships’ managing director, Ken Mulligan, said the signing of the DOI was a positive step toward progressing YWAM Medical Ships’ relationship with the nation of Israel.
“YWAM is an international organisation that is now operating in 180 countries around the world. We believe that every nation has unique gifts and strengths that they bring.
“We are looking forward to learning from one another as we continue to proceed with establishing this important partnership,” said Mulligan.
The signing of the DOI followed YWAM’s Breakfast by the Sea fundraising event on Thursday morning, where over 700 guests gathered to show their support for YWAM’s work in PNG.
The MV YWAM PNG is due to return to Papua New Guinea in October for a 7-month deployment.