Aust plans naval base

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By JEFFREY ELAPA
THE Government is discussing with Australia the setting up of a regional naval training facility on Manus, according to Defence Minister Solan Mirisim.
“The Pacific naval training base is an important training facility for the region and a win for PNG on many fronts,” he said.
The cost has not been finalised and Australian officials are expected in the country to carry out feasibility studies before an agreement is signed.
He said the proposal to set up the naval training base on Manus was another proof of the long-term military relations between Canberra and Port Moresby.
Mirisim, pictured, said because the Lombrum naval base and the asylum seekers detention centre were now sitting idle, the Government talked to Australia which had the capacity to help – and it was PNG’s closest neighbour – with the naval training facility idea.
The facility will also help with surveillance, given the increasing instances of illegal fishing in the country’s waters from Manus to Milne Bay. It is expected that the facility will also create more economic activities for the people of Manus and Papua New Guinea in general.
The Australian government last week handed over to PNG three patrol launches to be used for border patrols.
More donations to the PNG naval division from Australia are expected. They will be based in Port Moresby and Manus.
Meanwhile, Australian Defence Minister Christopher Pyne told the media in Australia that the Australia-PNG defence relationship was “an enduring testament to our shared historical and cultural ties”.
“Australia is proud to support the PNG Defence Force in strengthening their maritime security capability, and remains committed to our longstanding partnership.
“The Pacific Maritime Security programme, which is also providing a regional aerial surveillance capability, is the cornerstone of defence’s engagement in the Pacific, and strengthens partner capacity and regional maritime security.”