O’Neill to Stokes: Thank you

 PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill has thanked outgoing Australian High Commissioner Deborah Stokes for her contribution to bilateral relations and cooperation in the past two years.

Stokes will complete her posting in Port Moresby this month. 

O’Neill said Australia and PNG had successfully managed a number of important issues in the bilateral relationship during Stokes’ term in Port Moresby.

“Australia is Papua New Guinea’s largest trading partner and the biggest investor in our nation,” O’Neill said.

“There are a number of important bilateral and regional policy issues that have required careful management in the best interest of both countries.

“Working together, our two countries have been able to stop people smuggling from Indonesia to Australia.  

“Australia has also continued to engage meaningfully with PNG in the areas of healthcare and education,” O’Neill said.