Australia looks to strengthen relationship

AUSTRALIA’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles says this is a good time to be “close to friends” as the global economy is facing many challenges.
“As I stand here in Parliament House, I can honestly say that I stand next to a brother, and that reflects the nature of the relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea in 2022,” Marles said.
He said further talks would be held on how Australia and PNG could work together to promote economic growth and secure a bilateral security treaty.
Marles is in the country for a short visit.
He said that during challenging times, it was best to be close to friends.
He floated the idea of strengthening the bilateral relationship through rugby league.
“We would really love to see a team from PNG participating in the national competition in Australia, and we want to work to that end as quickly as we can,” he said.
He hopes to visit PNG more often and for Prime Minister James Marape to visit Australia regularly.
Marles was in Lae yesterday to open the renovated Angau Memorial Hospital.
He paid a courtesy call to Marape yesterday.
Marape thanked Marles for the visit, highlighting the importance of PNG’s continued relationship with Australia.
Marles’ visit comes weeks after a similar visit by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
A ministerial forum will be held in Canberra next month where ministers from both countries will discuss bilateral relations.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albenese will be visiting PNG in December.
“These are high-value engagements taking place that put value to our relationships, if not anchoring them.
“PNG has no greater relationship than the PNG-Australia relationship,” Marape said.