Japan helps PNG military stay in tune

JAPAN hopes that its assistance to the PNG Military Band will contribute to the success of Apec 2018 as well as strengthen relations between the two countries.
Ambassador Satoshi Nakajima said this on Thursday in Port Moresby when the 41-member band presented what they had learnt from the Japan Ground Self Defence Force.
The Japan Ground Self Defence Force through Nakajima handed over a music composition of March Port Moresby, a composition dedicated to the city for hosting the Apec meetings including the leaders’ summit in November.
Led by conductor Marce Eorage, of the Defence Force band, the occasion at the new Japanese Embassy in Waigani was witnessed by Defence Force Commander Brig-Gen Gilbert Toropo, Apec Coordination Authority chief executive Christopher Hawkins, Apec Secretariat Ambassador Ivan Pomaleu
and chairman of the Apec Coordinating Authority Sir Charles Lepani.
“I’d like to commend each of the 41 members of the PNGDF Military Band on your hard work with strong determination to make a contribution to your country’s historic Apec summit through your music skills,” Nakajima said.
He said in response to Toropo’s request, Japan’s Ground Self Defence Force had dispatched its famous central band to PNG several times since last year to train the PNG military band.
Toropo thanked the people and government of Japan and Ground Force Defence Force.
“It shows the gesture and great relationship that PNG and Japan have enjoyed over the years.”