PNG welcomes ambassador

PAPUA New Guinea and Japan’s relations have been further strengthened with the increased exchange of visits between leaders of both countries, according to acting Governor-General Theodore Zurenuoc.
He said this during the presentation of credentials by Japan’s new ambassador to PNG, Satoshi Nakajima yesterday at the Government House in Port Moresby.
Zurenuoc said that relations between the two countries had developed in the areas of political, cultural and economic cooperation.
“With the visits of leaders and officials of both countries increasing, the bilateral ties between our two countries remain friendly and are steadily expanding,” Zurenuoc said.
“Given Japan’s vibrant economic growth under the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, there are also many other cooperative arrangements that are now considered by PNG and Japan.
“For Papua New Guinea, this demonstrates a positive way forward in the bilateral relations.”
He said that both countries have shared interests through membership of various international and regional organisations such as the United Nations, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, the World Trade Centre and the Asean regional forum.
He said these provided the basis for both countries to pursue issues of common concern and interest in the multilateral arena.
Meanwhile, Ambassador-designate Satoshi Nakajima, said the close cooperation in the international arena had been strengthened more than ever to tackle global issues such as UN reforms and climate change.
“I am particularly delighted to be the appointed ambassador to Papua New Guinea to fulfill my important mission at such a time when your country has made great strides towards further development and stability,” Nakajima said.
“Being fully aware of this great responsibility, I am determined to do my utmost to carry out my duties and contribute to the furtherance of closer ties and mutual understanding between our two countries, in close cooperation with your excellency, the Government and the people of Papua New Guinea.”