Parkop sees visit of Russian ship as boost for tourism

The visit of the Russian naval ship to the country for the first time is a boost in PNG as tourism hub despite all the negative publicity overseas, NCD Governor Powes Parkop says.
Parkop said the visit by the Russian navy officers in their warship was historic, and conveyed his warm welcome to them.
During a dialogue hosted last Thursday in Parliament, he commended them for showing interest in the city which is hosting the Apec Leaders’ Summit in November.
Parkop said the visit was a testament of Moscow placing value in the Indo-Pacific region.
He added that the countries had a long history dating back to the settlement of Russian scientist and traveller Nikolai Miklouho-Maclay in the country from 1846 to 1888.
Parkop assured the Russians that the country was full of peace-loving and friendly citizens.
“You all are visiting the country for the first time,” he said.
“All of you can become our ambassadors.
“You have heard stories about us.
“It is good that you came to find out for yourselves to confirm that.
“You have seen everywhere else around the world but you have not seen everything until you come to Papua New Guinea.” Parkop admitted that like every other country in the world, Papua New Guinea had its own share of the challenges.
Apart from tourism, he said the country was also rich in natural resources extended an invitation to Russian businesses to invest in the country.