Minister sees S’pore as key

SINGAPORE presents itself as an opportunity for Papua New Guineans to learn from the fastest-growing nation in the Asia Pacific region, a cabinet minister says.
Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko, during a meeting with new non-resident high commissioner designate of Singapore to Papua New Guinea, Ong Yew Huat, said Singapore had a lot to offer.
“We are not doing enough. We need to do more with Singapore. I would like to see our doors open in many different areas. These are things for the future, your standard is high in your policing and making sure your laws are taken heed of. We can learn a lot from how you administer your people,” Tkatchenko told Huat.
Relations between PNG and Singapore started on May 19, 1976.
According to Tkatchenko, Singapore has aided and trained more than 800 Papua New Guineans under the Singapore Development Cooperation programme, in addition to contributions supporting local capabilities in climate resilience, cybersecurity and international law.
Tkatchenko said Huat’s appointment is a positive step towards strengthening relations between the two countries.
Huat presented his credentials to Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae at Government House in Port Moresby on Tuesday.
Sir Bob told Huat that PNG was grateful for the Singapore-Pacific Resilience and Knowledge Sharing (Sparks) package.
“I am confident the courses offered on climate resilience, cybersecurity and international law will equip Papua New Guineans with the knowledge to address issues related to these areas.
“In that connection, let us encourage both our countries to continue to collaborate on climate change, good governance and issues of mutual concerns,” Sir Bob said.
Huat said: “Singapore is committed to supporting Papua New Guinea’s development journey through the Singapore Cooperation Programme.
“To date, we have welcomed more than 830 PPNG officials who have participated in courses in finance, public administration, civil aviation and information and communication technology.
“To further support the Pacific’s capacity building efforts, Singapore launched a special Sparks package at the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ meeting in November 2023. We welcome participation from PNG.”