Governor-General welcomes new Belgium ambassador

 Belgium has appointed a new ambassador to Papua New Guinea.

Jean-Luc Bodson took up his post following the acceptance of his letter of credence by Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio at Government House on Tuesday.

Sir Michael told Bodson that relations between PNG and Belgium had remained constructive and friendly since being established almost 38 years ago.

“I am indeed glad to note that Papua New Guinea and Belgium have enjoyed a close and long-lasting friendship and have a shared history started through the work of early Belgian missionaries in PNG,” Sir Michael said.

He said the relations through people to people contacts, trade and investment, scientific, cultural and educational exchanges were being further enhanced through the recent interest by Belgian companies investing in PNG’s natural resources development sector.  

Sir Michael said PNG highly valued the work and contributions by Belgian companies operating in the country and was equally eager to forge a deeper partnership with the country bilaterally.

He assured the ambassador that the government of PNG stood ready to accord him necessary support.