DIFFERENCES aside, our two traditional and special friends – Australia and New Zealand – are always the first to come to our rescue when we need help.
We have seen this many times. It bring to mind the old adage “a friend in need is a friend indeed”.
Despite little shortcomings, we should not only cherish and nourish but protect that special friendship.
In the recent times, PNG has gone about establishing and making new friends which is all fine. However, in the process, we should never lose focus of our relationship with those who have special places in our hearts and minds, history and geography.
Let us be mindful that until we are adequately self-sufficient or have alternative friends who can support us, we should never be reckless and careless with our “capable” neighbours.
On behalf of ordinary Papua New Guineans, I wish to thank Australia, New Zealand, the US and Canada for coming in a big way when disasters and emergencies fall on us.
Put very appropriately in our Melanesian pidgin “Gutpela taim na taim nogut stap wantaim yu”.

Leslie Yango and tribe,
Wiru Plains,
Pangia