New Zealand and Papua New Guinea have a very strong relationship and this will improve further, says Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.
He said this after receiving a courtesy call from New Zealand’s High Commissioner, Tony Fautuam, in Port Moresby yesterday.
They met to discuss ongoing cooperation with Papua New Guinea, and the visit by New Zealand’s outgoing Foreign Minister, Murray McCully, in February.
The PM and High Commissioner also discussed engagement in the areas of customs and quarantine procedures, advancing the air services agreement between the two countries and support for APEC Papua New Guinea 2018.
“The New Zealand Government, led by Prime Minister Bill English, has expressed interest in deepening relations and exploring new opportunities for cooperation,” stated O’Neill.
"We hope Prime Minister English will make his first formal visit to Papua New Guinea soon and further strengthen relations between our countries at the highest level.
"The close relationship we have had with past Prime Ministers and the Foreign Minister has made a lot of difference in relations between our countries and this will continue.”
The PM said New Zealand has been active in a range of projects that have advanced the lives of many Papua New Guineans in many regions, including Bougainville, and he is interested to take a last look at the development of these projects.
"We appreciate the commitment that Murray McCully has given to Papua New Guinea and countries around the Pacific.
"I look forward to meeting Murray McCully on his last visit as Foreign Minister.”