New French ambassador meets GG

THE new French Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Ambassador Alain Waquet paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration, Sam Abal last week.
In his welcome, Mr Abal expressed the importance of France’s presence in PNG and the Pacific, stating that the current strong relations be continued further strengthening in areas such as sports and cultural exchange, scholarships in French language and diplomatic training.
Mr Abal informed Ambassador Waquet of PNG government’s decision to re-establish the PNG Embassy in Paris in 2010.
This news was welcomed as the Ambassador acknowledged PNG’s importance in the region.
 He also brought to Mr Abal’s attention the request of the government of France in seeking PNG’s support for their candidacy in the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), of which Mr Abal said he would bring forward to the secretary.