Japan envoy takes post in PNG

JAPANESE Ambassador Nobuyuki Watanabe officially took his post in Papua New Guinea upon presenting his credentials to Governor-General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae at Government House in Port Moresby on Thursday.
Watanabe, 62, whose last posting was as Consul-General of Japan in Chongqing, China, said his new role as ambassador to PNG was a great responsibility.
“I am delighted to express my firm determination to work hard to the furtherance of closer ties and mutual understanding between the two nations, in close cooperation with His Excellency Sir Bob, the Government and the people of Papua New Guinea,” he said.
“It is gratifying that in recent years, our relationship, which is based upon shared common values of democracy, human rights and rule of law, has been expanding in many fields such as politics, economy and culture and people-to-people exchange, in addition to our long-lasting economic cooperation for sustainable development of PNG.”
Ambassador Watanabe also acknowledged the impact of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic on the economies of both countries as well as its people.
“In the fight against the Covid-19, I am committed to making my utmost efforts in order to improve the situation and save the lives of the people in this country through coordination with the Government.”