PM optimistic, hopeful

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By HELEN TARAWA
PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill says PNG is ready and looking forward to receiving Apec delegates and leaders from Apec economies over the next few days.
O’Neill told the media during a final walk through of all the facilities yesterday that he was confident that everyone will have a wonderful experience.
“Our people and our country are very excited by the prospect of having all these global leaders, leaders of the economies and businesses here so we are very proud of that,” he said.
“It has been a challenging few years to get is this ready but we are ready to host everyone.”
Responding to reports of world leaders arriving with their owned armoured vehicles and that the purchases of the Maseratis was a waste of money, O’Neill said very senior government ministers and other distinguished leaders would be using the vehicles.
“It is not only the world leaders who are here. There are foreign ministers, trade ministers, and other distinguished leaders who are also going to be here using every available vehicle that we can get,” he said.
“I think we have done well so far and Papua New Guineans should be proud of it.”
While unable to confirm the first Apec leader who will be arriving, O’Neill said he was not privy to the details and it was arranged and organised by the security personnel.
“All the leaders will be in Port Moresby by tomorrow and we will be hosting them at the Hilton Hotel for dinner which will be followed by the leaders’ summit.”