Japan vows to work closely with PNGDF

THE Japanese Minister of Defence Yamamoto Tomohiro has promised closer working relations with the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) during his first visit to Port Moresby on Tuesday.
He met PNG Defence Minister Saki Soloma, PNGDF Commander Maj-Gen Gilbert Toropo, and Defence secretary John Akipe at Murray Barracks after inspecting a guard of honour.
Tomohiro said he had set up a new 10-year national defence programme guideline in 2018, which proposed stronger military co-operation with Pacific Island countries, especially PNG.
“The Japanese government has always considered PNG as an important country and our ministry of defence would also like to strengthen the existing relationship, and appreciate your cooperation,” he said.
“I am sure my first visit to PNG just opened the door for a greater defence co-operation between our countries,” he said.
Soloma thanked Tomohiro for visiting the country and acknowledged the support of the people and government of Japan over the years.
“Japan is a great friend of PNG since 1901. Japan has assisted PNG in many ways and PNGDF is among the many PNG agencies that have received help from them.”