PM sends 100 soldiers to Australia

PRIME Minister James Marape has expressed appreciation to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison for accepting Papua New Guinea’s offer of assistance in their devastating bushfires.
Marape said the Australian government had accepted PNG’s offer to help, therefore, the first 100 PNG Defence Force personnel were ready to travel to Australia today.
Marape said of the total 1,000 personnel committed by his Government, including members of the National Fire Service and National Volunteer Service, the first 100 soldiers from the Engineering Battalion, field engineers from the Royal Pacific Island Regiment (PIR) and a small liaison and support staff would be part of the first deployment.
He said a PNGDF contingent code named “17th Kumul Force” would help the Australian Defence Force personnel on the ground.
“Our soldiers will be there for three months in routine clearance tasks,” Marape said.
He said the tasks would involve clearing of roads and bridges blocked by fallen trees so fire fighters could get to affected areas in rural communities.
“The PNG Government stands firm to support our closest neighbour Australia since both governments have a strong and very high level bilateral relationship,” Marape said.
“The Australian government has always been there for us, whether in good or bad times.
“Therefore, to reciprocate, we lend our hands to support them today,” he said.
Marape also extended his condolences to the families who had lost their loved ones in the disaster.