Military leaders discuss challenges, security issues

PROMISING opportunities for Papua New Guinea have been discussed in the recently concluded chiefs of defence conference.
The conference was attended by PNGDF commander Major-General Gilbert Toropo who said that the sessions and the role of PNG in the Pacific were also discussed with challenges highlighted.
Hosted by Admiral John C Aquilino, head of the US Indo-Pacific command, the two-day chiefs of defence conference provided senior military leaders the opportunity to address emerging challenges and security matters and increase regional and global collaboration.
Working under the theme “Strengthening partnership networks for preserving peace and security”, the heads of defence forces in the Indo-Pacific looked at the role of women in the global security.
Maj-Gen Toropo said other planned sessions during the conference included strengthening partnership networks for preserving peace and security; the role for mini-lateralism in a free and open Indo-Pacific.
“Our military partners have been facilitating these opportunities for small island nations in the Pacific and we have been part of these conferences,” he said.
“It was an opportunity too, to share experiences of other militaries on how they are managing the Coronavirus (Covid-19) situation in their countries.”
Maj-Gen Toropo said they shared common security concerns and exploration of promising opportunities for countries in the region to promote good governance and inclusive security were the focus of the conference.
He resumed work this week after completing the compulsory seven days quarantine after overseas travel.
Meanwhile, the PNGDF commander is preparing to attend the biannual Indo Pacific army chiefs conference in Hawaii, USA. He (Maj-Gen Toropo) will co-chair the conference with General Charles Flynn, the commander of the US army.