Deborah Stokes

 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.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed this week that Deborah Stokes departed her PNG post and said she would be taking up another overseas assignment.

Bishop did not give any further details about the unexpected departure when asked at a media conference in Melbourne on Friday.

“These are opportunities for a new high commissioner to be appointed to Papua New Guinea and for the current high commissioner to take up another appointment, and this happens all the time in our missions,” Bishop said.

High Commissioner Stokes will complete her posting this month  following a period during which Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said he had seen Australia and Papua New Guinea successfully manage a number of important issues in the bilateral relationship.

“Australia is Papua New Guinea’s largest trading partner and the biggest investor in our nation,” PM O’Neill said.

“There are also a number of important bilateral and regional policy issues that have required careful management in the best interests of both countries.