O’Neill talks trade, investment with Israel president

 PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill held talks with Israeli President Shimon Perez in Jerusalem and stressed the opportunity to reactivate bilateral relations established in May 1978. 

“PNG and Israel have yet to share and explore new trade and investment opportunities,” he said, adding that  PNG had a lot to gain from Israel’s vast development experience. 

O’Neill sought assistance in the areas of defence, security and intelligence, national youth service and agriculture, mainly modern farming techniques and technology plus information technology and communications.

“I am pleased with Israel’s continued assistance to PNG’s economic development, particularly in agriculture and encourage further cooperation in other defined areas,” he said.

“My recent meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu was a success in that we were able to sign the joint declaration of cooperation and further conclude the agreement of visa exemption between PNG and Israel.”

He said the PNG delegation also visited various Israel institutions, biblical and historical sites “enabling us to fully understand our religion – Christianity”. 

O’Neill told Perez that Israel was blessed with a rich, significant biblical and cultural history.