NZDF chief visit focuses on building relationships

 PAPUA New Guinea’s endeavour to enhance defence co-operation programmes with New Zealand has been boosted by the visit of New Zealand’s top army official.
New Zealand Defence Force chief of army Lt-Gen Tim Keating (pictured) said his visit was to maintain and strengthen relationships.
Keating said New Zealand had been a good training partner with Papua New Guinea on bilateral exercises for a number of years.
He said the New Zealand army intended to continue with the relationship and further contribute towards the development of the PNG training programmes.
PNG Defence Force commander Brig-Gen Gilbert Toropo said his force has been enjoying the company of New Zealanders for many years, especially in training and exercises.
Toropo said every year the PNGDF sent four cadets to New Zealand to take up officer cadet courses.
He said four officers were already training at the New Zealand’s Military Academy this year.
The two-day visit by Keating from Monday saw him visit the Goldie River Training Depot.