EU opens new office

 By BENNY GETENG

THE European Union on Monday celebrated the opening of its new office in Port Moresby.

European Union Ambassador Martin Dihm said the office signified the political cooperation that Papua New Guinea and the European Union had.

“It will house the representatives and diplomatic representatives with increased staff,” he said.

“It will cater for the establishment of the European Industry Bank that will be introduced into the country.”

Dr Gerhard Sabathil,  the EU director for Oceania, Australia and the Pacific, said the work of the EU would be more efficient with the opening of the new office.

“It will improve our relationship here and is a huge potential for our financial obligation to expand in PNG,” he said.

National Planning and Monitoring Minister Charles Abel said the opening of the office expanded further the partnership PNG had with the EU.

“We are very grateful that we have such a relationship with the EU although we continue to struggle in our development issues,” he said.

“The EU has so far assisted PNG with more than K415 million since their establishment in the country.”