Justin Tkatchenko

Minister determined to boost NZ and Aust partnership

Foreign Affairs Minister, Justin Tkatchenko and his New Zealand counterpart Hanaia Mahuta discussed ways of enhancing the current status of the labor mobility program to include more Papua New Guineans across various industries in the New Zealand market - an objective that mirrors that of Australia.

NZ Foreign Minister calls for urgent PIF retreat

The delegation will be visiting the Seasonal Workers Program in New Zealand, which has offered 18,000 positions for seasonal workers. Currently, there are only 100 Papua New Guineans working in New Zealand and the delegation will be visiting them on site, meeting with contractors, the Labor and Immigration Department, and the Foreign Affairs representatives.

Tkatchenko in NZ for official visit

During their visit to the Victoria University, they hope to make arrangements for up to 250 young people from PNG to receive diplomacy training over a period of five years.

The Minister emphasized the importance of regional security and highlighted the positive relationship between New Zealand and PNG in terms of defense training. The delegation will also show their support for the PNG Female Football team, currently in New Zealand.

Dates set for JT Nines

The tournament is used by Moresby South Rugby League as prelude to prepare for the season proper one week after the tourney.

This year marks the 13th Edition of the shorter version of rugby league sponsored by local MP Justin Tkatchenko with major cash prize incentives up for grabs; K20, 000 cash prize for the open men’s and open women's, and Under 20 with K10,000. 

Foreign policy white paper review

Tkatchenko said three previous reviews of the foreign policy white paper were done but none were ever approved and implemented.

The Minister said, “When I came in as the foreign minister, one of the first things that was on my agenda was to get the foreign policy white paper going immediately.”

“So that we can see where we are, we can review what we need to do. We can look at the current situations we are now facing in the region and around the world and put Papua New Guinea in a position where we can move forward without fear and without favor.”

Howard, New UN Resident Coordinator

The official presentation took place at the Office of the Minister in Port Moresby.

Minister Tkatchenko welcomed Howard to Papua New Guinea and congratulated him on the appointment.

“I am looking forward to working closely with the UN and work towards bringing long-term benefits to the people of Papua New Guinea,” said Minister Tkatchenko.

PNG yet to ratify border agreement

Since its inception in 1983, the Agreement has undergone three reviews, the first review was undertaken in 1993, the second one in 2003 and the third was undertaken in 2013, after which Indonesia has formally ratified the 2013 revised Agreement whilst PNG is yet to do so.

This agreement is now up for review but before that takes place, PNG must ratify the agreement and thereafter have it subjected for review by both the two contracting parties.

Bilateral Security Treaty expanded

Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko, in a press conference in Port Moresby, highlighted significant areas of concern to be added into the treaty agreement including cybercrime, climate change, money laundering, biosecurity, internal security and gender-based violence.

“The definition of the security treaty has been expanded which I think is a very good thing, it’s not just about Defence but all the other important areas as well.

Gov’t set up new missions overseas

These missions will give Papua New Guinea opportunities in business, agriculture, trade and economics including health and education.

Minister Tkatchenko said the four new missions in Jerusalem, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kingdom of Thailand and Geneva will be set up over the next three years.

“Israel has big significance in religious aspects with the mother land and a lot of people have an understanding in that regard and also in technological developments and the way they do things in Israel with business is very outstanding.”

Gov’t set up new missions overseas

These missions will give Papua New Guinea opportunities in business, agriculture, trade and economics including health and education.

Minister Tkatchenko said the four new missions in Jerusalem, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kingdom of Thailand and Geneva will be set up over the next three years.

“Israel has big significance in religious aspects with the mother land and a lot of people have an understanding in that regard and also in technological developments and the way they do things in Israel with business is very outstanding.”