The APEC Joint Security Task Force (JSTF) is in the process of being established says Director-general of the Office of Security and Coordination Assessment, Ian Jinga.
He announced this in a media conference during the sixth Security Partnership Working Group (SPWG6) in Port Moresby today.
Jinga said with the JSTF almost in place, a concept on how APEC 2018 will be delivered will be put developed.
“We are now in the process of setting up that unit. That unit will be located within Waigani, and the commander will lead the tam to deliver APEC 2018.
“We are now in the process of coming up with the concept of how we’re gonna deliver APEC 2018,” Jinga said.
Police Commissioner and JSTF Commander, Gary Baki, said the unit headquarters in Waigani is undergoing refurbishment but once completed they will be moving in to ensure synergy with all other agencies.
“Once we have the headquarters renovated and furnished we will move the entire working partners into the entire building so there is that working relationship between all the agencies of government that are responsible to deliver APEC. So far from the security perspective I’m satisfied with the preparations,” said Baki.
The establishment of the JSTF follows the passing of the APEC Safety and Security Bill in Parliament in early February.
The legislation paves the way for the establishment of the PNG APEC (2018 JSTF), and for adequate powers and functions to be provided to ensure efficient and effective safety and security during the event.