Protocol officers undergo training

Protocol staff of the Foreign Affairs Department are undergoing a three day protocol liaison seminar as part of APEC 2018 preparations.

Organized by the New Zeeland High Commission to Papua New Guinea, the training intends to improve foreign affairs staff skills in carrying out their jobs.

Officers were welcomed at the High Commissions residence where they will have the training.

The seminar was attended by New Zealand High Commissioner to PNG, Sue Mackwell, former NZ High Commissioner to PNG, Neils Holm, Foreign Affairs Secretary, William Dihm, and Chief Protocol, Morea Veratau.

High Commissioner Mackwell welcomed the officers and wished them the best during their training.

Foreign Affairs Secretary William Dihm, said this seminar was vital for both senior and junior protocol officers in PNG.

“I expect and I think the Prime Minister and the Minister to expect Protocol to play the lead role in the work for APEC.

“So let’s make sure whatever skills we have, or gaps in our knowledge let’s beef it up during this seminar series and be in a state of readiness when it comes around,” he said.

Former high Commissioner to PNG, Neils Holm, who served here in 2007 to 2010 and also previously served as Deputy Director for APEC shared his experience.

He shared experiences from when New Zealand hosted the APEC meet in 1999 informing them they had to be exceptionally prepared.

The seminar will end on Friday.

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Cedric Patjole