Foreign missions meet

 HEADS of diplomatic missions in Port Moresby are attending a three-day conference to discuss how they can connect Papua New Guinea to the world and establish economic and political relations.

Department of Foreign Affairs and Immigration acting secretary William Dihm said the theme of the conference – Connecting with purpose – drew on Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato’s policy statement in Parliament last July.

He said the diplomats had been invited to connect with a purpose.

“We must be clear about the purpose which brings us together to identify issues, options and strategies for growing PNG’s international connections in a globalised world,” he said.

“In a world where international relations involve more than 190 independent sovereign states, it is vital that we work together to protect and promote PNG’s national interests with commitment, focus and energy with a strong sense of purpose.”

Dihm said one of the principal purposes of the conference was to review and provide advice on the department’s draft corporate plan intended to suggest the way forward for the next three years. 

He said the corporate plan would provide the framework for plans.