Officials discuss APEC security

 OFFICIALS from Australia and Papua New Guinea are meeting in Port Moresby to discuss safety and security issues regarding the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in 2018.

Chief Secretary Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc said they would discuss how the two governments could work together on security preparations, and advance policy development.  

The meeting is the first of a series of consultations with the 20 nations which will be in Port Moresby in 2018.

“APEC is an international forum and we work with other participating economies to advance policy objectives and ensure security co-operation,” Sir Manasupe said.

“PNG will chair the APEC policy development process in 2018 aimed at stimulating regional economic integration and growth. We will have the opportunity to bring into the discussions issues that are important to developing countries in Asia-Pacific, particularly development issues.”

Australia hosted the APEC meeting in 2007 and the G20 in 2014.

“We also have ongoing consultation with Philippines as the host in 2015, as well as Peru and Vietnam as future hosts.”

Sir Manasupe said safety and security preparations were the most intensive components of hosting the APEC meeting .

“We will have around 200 APEC meetings between now and the end of 2018, and we have to do everything we can to provide a secure environment for our visitors.”