PM: Good times ahead

 PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill says the visit of his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe augurs well for relations between the two countries.

He told a State dinner he hosted for Abe last night that the two countries had and continued to enjoy a strong and diverse relationship over the last 40 years, based on mutual trust and friendship.

“Your visit is the first by a prime minister of Japan for some time and it follows closely on my visit to Japan recently to welcome the vessel carrying the first export shipment of LNG from PNG,” O’Neill told Abe.

“The fact our first LNG shipment had Japan, as its destination was surely appropriate – given the very wide ranging trade, investment and business relationship between PNG and Japan in the almost 40 years since our Independence.

“The development of our gas-to-liquids industry has a direct Japanese involvement:  JX Nippon Oil and Gas Exploration is a valued partner is our first gas development – the PNG LNG project.

“The first early shipment of gas was purchased by Tokyo Electric Power Company –TEPCO.

“The other direct involvement of significant Japanese enterprises as partners Chiyoda in construction, and customers Osaka Gas, in the development of our substantial gas resources is warmly welcomed by our government, by the other project partners and by the people of PNG.

O’Neill said Japanese aid was a major contributor to PNG’s development agenda.

“The work of organisations like JICA is widely appreciated in our community,” he said.

“It has contributed significantly to our social and economic development and I know it will continue to do so in the future.

“We have a strong and growing people to people association – in cultural, sporting, education and other areas. 

O’Neill thanked Abe and his predecessors for the excellent support Japan had always given PNG at regional and international events and forums.

“We could not have a more reliable friend,” he said.