Pato reveals plans to boost PNG relations

By CLEMENT KAUPA
PAPUA New Guinea’s foreign relations will enter an era of dynamic outreach and diplomacy to reaffirm ties among friends in the region and beyond, new Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Rimbink Pato said.
Pato said he would engage with friendly regional neighbours and elsewhere to ensure the country remained a constructive and trusted regional player.
“As PNG emerges from a successful 2012 national elections after which a government with an overwhelming majority was elected, it sets a solid foundation for consensus towards a more open
and dynamic outreach in foreign relations,” he said.
“The new coalition government and the level of confidence the nation has bestowed on Prime Minister Peter O’Neill is demonstrative of the collective desire of the PNG people for transformation and progress.”
Following briefings with Foreign Affairs and Trade acting secretary Lucy Bogari and senior department officials, Pato announced his first 100-day intentions.
Pato and O’Neill will attend the 43rd Pacific Islands Forum, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and the United Nations General Assembly.
But before those important offshore meetings, it is house practice that the foreign minister meets and greets the resident diplomatic corps.
It is understood the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is preparing for this meeting in the coming days.
“I am excited about the unique intricacies and complex dynamics of my portfolio but in the spirit of partnership with our friends, I believe that PNG’s foreign relations during my tenure with the support of the prime minister, the cabinet and my department, will rise to the level expected,” Pato said.