British assistance to PNG based on 3 principles, says envoy

By BRADLEY MARIORI
BRITISH assistance to Papua New Guinea is based on three core principles to assist where they can and help develop the capacity to build a better future for the country, British High Commissioner to PNG Keith Scott says.
The three principles are: it must be an area where the United Kingdom has particular expertise; it must address PNG’s own priorities; and, it must build local capacity.
“We should be helping you (PNG), not telling you,” Scott said.
“That is what I call a real partnership.”
“The UK and PNG share a head of state in Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, we are both members of the Commonwealth, Papua New Guineans don’t need visas to visit the UK and we share cultural and sporting ties.”
Speaking to students in Lae on Monday marking start of the 2020 academic year, Scott said the theme for the week was “Investing in the future – your own and Papua New Guinea’s”.
“It challenges you to build the scientific and technological knowledge and skills to help develop PNG’s resources,” he said.
“And for me, that is not just mineral or natural resources.
“I would include PNG’s human resources.
“But it is also a challenge to international friends of PNG to assist where we can and help you develop the capacity to build a better future for this country.”