Cairns and Lae strengthen sister cities tie

 CAIRNS and Lae have further strengthened their ties as sister cities with a visit to Morobe by a team from the Queensland city.

“We are delighted to have a strong team from Cairns to rekindle the sister city relationship,” said Lae city Lord Mayor James Khay.

He hosted a buffet dinner for Cairns regional council mayor Bob Manning and delegates from the Cairns Chamber of Commerce last Friday.

The sister-relationship has existed for years. 

The visit intends to give business houses in both cities opportunities to explore, Khay said.

Manning told guests including Morobe governor Kelly Naru that the bond with PNG especially Lae was signed in 1984.

The agreement was renewed in 1996 and had boosted business opportunities on both sides. 

The introduction of flights to Cairns from Lae via Port Moresby by Air Niugini will further strengthen the business relationship.

A memorandum of understanding to bind the sister cities was signed by Manning and Khay.