THERE is no doubt that maintaining a presence in other countries is an expensive exercise for Papua New Guinea and the Foreign Affairs Department.
Secretary Gabriel Pepson has alluded to these costs when discussing the current major review of the nation’s foreign policies and presence.
There is a lobby that maintains that much of the overseas representation our country must have, can be conducted through the many-faceted technological networks we can now access.
That may be true but at the same time, history shows that the quality and character of diplomats can have a profound and positive influence on the relationships between PNG and other countries.
And unfortunately the reverse is also true. There is no point in targeting any particular incident; most readers will be aware that the PNG overseas representation record is far from being an unblemished account.
It is vital that those who represent our country as diplomats overseas should be of exceptional character.
They must be able to rapidly establish an empathetic relationship with their hosts and structure a network of in-country contacts that can be of immense assistance to PNG.
This may be relatively easy in creating and maintaining relations between our country and other English-speaking nations, for both the language and in many cases the customs and formal education systems may well have strong similarities.
But when it comes to weaving a series of ties with Asian or Latin American countries, the situation may not be as straightforward.
Looking at the whole issue of foreign representation, some factors emerge clearly.
Modern diplomacy is not restricted to the polite exchange of viewpoints between allies. While the gracious function circuit continues, today’s embassies and high commissions are expected to achieve positive gains for their country.
Economic ties and in particular trade are areas in which PNG’s overseas representation can be broadened and deepened.
Previous governments have repeatedly put forward the attachment of highly trained trade and commerce officers as a means of growing investment in our country. It is unclear to what extent this thrust has been carried out or maintained.
Much depends on the nature of the overseas appointment.
PNG ambassadors to Japan, to Germany or to the USA for example, might reasonably be backed by a high profile and pro-active tourism office attached to these embassies.
And in all three cases, other well-trained officers skilled in resource economics, manufacturing investments and specialist areas of interest to each of these countries, could also be highly productive.
The issue of training is vital.
Throughout the world for many years, diplomats were often distinguished high profile figures, who had distinguished themselves in various fields within their own countries.
No special diplomatic expertise was required.
Aristocrats, retired politicians and captains of industry and even actors figured strongly in the diplomatic lists of many countries
Today, while many embassies continue to be headed by such notables, the balance of the staff is made up of highly educated and experienced professionals – technocrats, political scientists, economists and a host of others.
There has been a hiatus in the training of PNG diplomats and we believe that Secretary Pepson will be seeking to eliminate that shortfall.
There is a need for university courses in foreign affairs and diplomacy, courses that would feed the department and add depth to our representation.
The point is that if we are to be represented overseas, it must be at the most professional and dedicated level.
Journalists who have travelled with politicians on overseas tours can confirm that some staffing at some diplomatic posts leave much to be desired.
Lower level PNG staff can appear to be on an extended and expensive holiday, while locally recruited staff members often display a more dedicated commitment to their foreign employer.
Let there be an in-depth review of the relevance and value of our overseas posts and staffing and let it be conducted without the usual internal department jealousies.
If essential, close a handful of less important posts.
But use the funds saved to boost those that are either currently producing results for PNG or appear to have the potential to do so.
We welcome this long overdue review of the nation’s foreign policies and practices.