O’Neill: Apec meeting to be ‘Pacific-styled’

By MARK HAIHUIE
PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill says the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Port Moresby this year will be “Pacific-styled”.
“The 2018 Apec will truly be a Pacific-styled event clearly highlighting our cultures so we can advance some of our interests in this community,” he said.
O’Neill chaired the Melanesian Spearhead Group leaders meeting yesterday at the Stanley Hotel and Suites in Port Moresby after taking over from Solomon Islands Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela.
“The involvement of the Pacific leaders in this (Apec) summit is very important,” he said.
“Despite the fact that we are small nations, we must continue to make our bigger brothers aware of our existence and continue to improve connectively with them and strengthen trade and investment.
“This is an important global event. PNG is the only MSG and only developing nation in the Apec. We are your link to that organisation.”
O’Neillsaid the Melanesia Spearhead Group was an important organisation to Melanesian people.
“This leadership summit provides the opportunity for high-level engagement between leaders and our delegations on issues that matter the most to our people and issues that will continue to improve their lives for the better,” he said.
“This will need greater collaboration between our government and our people. As PNG assumes chairmanship, I seek the support of all members.”