Envoy meets Obama

PAPUA New Guinea’s new ambassador to the United States presented his letter of credentials to US President Barack Obama at the White House on Monday.
Rupa Mulina is also accredited to Canada and Mexico.
In welcoming Mulina, Obama said this year marked an important milestone in the trade relations between the two countries, pointing to ExxonMobil’s US$19 billion investment in the LNG project which is scheduled to begin exporting to North-east Asia.
“This marks the beginning of a new era of expanded economic cooperation between US and PNG,” he said.
He praised PNG for embracing the internationally recognised Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative standard.
“This will enhance the ability of PNG to successfully manage the flow of resources effectively and in conformity with international best practices,” he said.
Obama commended PNG for its efforts in empowering women and in taking steps to address issues on HIV/AIDS, climate change, governance and security.