PNG, China defence plans almost done

 THE Defence Force and Chinese Liberation Army will formalise defence cooperation arrangements soon, Defence Minister Dr Fabian Pok says.

Pok gave the assurance to visiting Chinese Admiral Shen Hao and medical officials on the Ark Peace Chinese hospital ship in Port Moresby last week.

Pok was grateful to the Chinese navy hospital ship for involving local soldiers assisted in providing free medical assistance to people living in Port Moresby.

The visit marked the 13th year of defence co-operation between the Chinese Liberation Army and PNG Defence Force since 1997 although had been no formal agreement signed between the two parties.

China assisted with funding for 

the rehabilitation of PNGDF infrastructure such as the Taurama health centre which is now the military 

hospital, Murray Barracks gymnasium, soldiers’ club and PNG soldiers studying at Chinese military universities.

“The Chinese Liberation Army’s financial assistance, offering trainings and projects, ranks second to others that provide defence assistance under our defence co-operation programme with Australia,” he said.

“We look forward to put our defence co-operation efforts on a 

more firm foundation that will strengthen the friendly relations further for the benefit of our countries and people.”