PM praises stronger PNG-EU relations

 PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill expressed his appreciation of European Union Ambassador Martin Dihm’s efforts, saying he has seen increased trade and investments and cultural relations with Europe recently.

Dihm will complete his posting to PNG in July after four years during which time O’Neill said relations between the country and the European Union were strengthened on several fronts.

“During Ambassador Dihm’s posting to Papua New Guinea, we have seen an increase in trade and investments and a strengthening of cultural relations with Europe,” he said. 

“I thank Ambassador Dihm for his contribution in this increasing engagement with Europe.”

O’Neill said there had been sensitive issues between PNG and EU in recent years, and the EU mission in Port Moresby worked with the Government to overcome challenges.

“The implementation of the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement and the dialogue on compliance with the EU regulation on fishing are progressing very well. 

“The IEPA has created more than 30,000 direct jobs, many of these being for women, as well as many more indirect jobs. 

“The ongoing dialogue covering illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing continues to move forward and we expect to have further positive news soon. Papua New Guinea will continue to widen and deepen the list of tradable goods that we export to Europe.