Australia reaffirms commitment to PNG development

8:08 pm on 20 June 2019

Australia's Foreign minister Marise Payne says her government wants to focus on developing Papua New Guinea's infrastructure.

Marise Payne and James Marape.

Marise Payne and James Marape. Photo: PNG Govt

The commitment was made during a meeting between Ms Payne and PNG prime minister James Marape yesterday in Port Moresby.

Mr Marape's office says Ms Payne drew attention to Australia's new $AU2 billion Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific and said her government would consider viable and transformative projects.

Mr Marape says there will not be many changes in terms of PNG's bilateral relations with Australia but he says he will be looking at areas to consolidate and strengthening the existing relationship.

The prime minster says he also acknowledged Australia's contribution to the Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance and explained his government's desire to reform the PNG public sector by conducting regular training programs for public servants.

Ms Payne assured Mr Marape of her support to broaden bilateral relations as well as encouraging more business engagements with PNG.