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By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
RUSSIAN companies have expressed interest in providing aeroplanes,
helicopters and ships to the PNG Government for defence, border control,
law enforcement, rescue and other purposes in the Asia Pacific region.
This is because Russia sees the growing importance in strengthening
peace, security and cooperation in the Asia Pacific region.
Russia is committed to the goals of building collective security,
promoting economic integration and maintenance of civilisation diversity
and harmony in the region.
Russian ambassador Alexander Ivanov to Papua New Guinea made this known
in Port Moresby when he presented his credentials to Governor-General
Sir Paulias Matane at Government House in Konedobu on Tuesday.
Mr Ivanov said apart from providing various transportation crafts,
Russian companies had expressed interest in investing in a multi-million
kina aluminium smelter and in tourism.
“The biggest Russian aluminium company, RUSAL, is interested in the
creation of a powerful aluminium production in PNG and we hope for a
favourable response on the corresponding draft agreement.
“PNG’s vast tourist resource may also be attractive to Russian
travellers.”
Mr Ivanov said that broad prospects for mutually beneficial bilateral
cooperation exist in a number of areas including mining, fisheries and
transportation, among others.
In accepting his credence, Sir Paulias said that with PNG’s strategic
location in the Asia Pacific region, it provided a crucial link for
countries in the South Pacific region into the Asian and Eastern
European markets, including Russia.
“I would therefore encourage promoting bilateral interaction,
emphasising on economic, trade, investment, cultural relations and other
meaningful interactions and engagements.”
 
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