Australia to assist security at summit

AUSTRALIA will help Papua New Guinea provide security during next year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit “so that leaders who come and visit us for the occasion feel safe and comfortable”, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, pictured, says.
“Papua New Guinea is a safe destination and I know that all the leaders will enjoy their stay here with us,” he said.
“Meetings relating to Apec have already taken place in our country.
“Close to 200 meetings will be conducted in PNG before the leaders’ meeting in November 2018.
“Those policy discussions are going very well and we appreciate the support of the 21 economies who are actively participating in the discussions.”
It followed discussions he had with Australian Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull in Port Moresby on Saturday.
Both leaders stressed the importance of the event.
“We’re both committed to free trade and open markets,” Turnbull said.
“PNG’s hosting of Apec in 2018 is going to be a very important opportunity to promote continuing regional economic integration to benefit the whole region.
“We discussed the cooperation we are pursuing to ensure the success of the (Apec) event.”