Opposition Leader Don Pomb Polye has commended out-going Australian High Commissioner to PNG Deborah Stokes for providing a vibrant leadership in the bilateral relationship of both countries.
As the alternate Prime Minister and on behalf of the people of Papua New Guinea, Mr Polye bade farewell to her, wishing Stokes and her family well in their future endeavours.
“With the kind of leadership she has provided during her tenure in PNG, representing her government and its people is an inspiration for many to emulate,” he said.
Saying goodbye to her predecessor, Mr Polye has welcomed his successor Bruce Davis, saying he was looking forward to working with him.
He thanked the people of Australia and their government for their continuous commitment in funding socio-economic projects in the country.
“Australia has never discharged its umbilical cord from us even if we are into adulthood as a sovereign nation,” said Mr Polye.
Mr Polye is also serving as the Opposition’s spokesman for foreign affairs.
Meanwhile, as a parliamentarian from Enga Province, he also thanked the Australian Government for providing financial aid in the province’s health and education sectors.
Mr Polye said he was delighted to learn of the out-going high commissioner’s humble personality which blends well into the cultural diversity of PNG.