PM queries Aust over visa issue

 PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill said the Papua New Guinea-Israel relationship was indeed a growing one and would benefit the country tremendously. 

A memorandum of agreement was signed with his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv that would pave the way for special training of the country’s security forces, defence intelligence for surveillance along borders and sophisticated technology to deter illegal fishing and logging. 

Surveillance and intelligence infrastructural developments would be carried out soon. Other areas discussed included agriculture, education and bilateral relationships.

O’Neill questioned why Australia was still not granting visas to Papua New Guineans while the Israeli government reached an agreement that would see visas issued on arrival in both countries. 

He confirmed he had already directed the minister for foreign affairs to include the construction of an embassy in Tel Aviv in next year’s budget. Work is expected to start mid next year.