PM eyes long-term ties with Aust

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill has thanked Australia for its continuing assistance as Papua New Guinea prepares to host Apec in November.
Wishing Australians the best on Australia Day on Friday, O’Neill said the relationship with Australia had never been stronger and would continue to improve.
“I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Turnbull to Papua New Guinea this year when we host the Apec Summit,” he said.
“The first ever Apec meeting was held in Canberra in 1989. And nearly 30 years later, we have seen exceptional economic growth that has improved the lives for people around the Apec region.
“Papua New Guinea appreciates the security co-operation being undertaken with Australia, together with other partners, as we prepare for the summit.”
O’Neill said bilateral relationship with Australia was strong.
“Over more than four decades we have strengthened our bilateral relations on many levels,” O’Neill said.
“More and more Papua New Guineans are studying in Australia, and this not only enhances skills and knowledge in the short-term, it also establishes long-term bonds between our people into the future.”
He said the relationship was in many ways born through the hardship and losses during the war.