PNG and Japan strengthen diplomatic ties

The National National
Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko gifting a bilum to Japanese foreign affairs minister Yoko Kamikawa in Suva, Fiji, on Monday. – Picture supplied

FOREIGN Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko has reiterated Papua New Guinea’s support and commitment to the Pacific Leaders Meeting (Palm) process led by Japan.
Tkatchenko who participated in the Palm Ministerial Interim Ministers (Mim) in Fiji’s Suva on Monday (Feb 12) commended Japan for being a valuable bilateral partner and being an integral development contributor to the development of the Pacific Island nations. The Palm Mim is a lead-up to the Palm in Tokyo in July.
Tkatchenko confirmed Prime Minister James Marape’s attendance at the Palm in July which is expected to see all 18 leaders of the Pacific to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Tkatchenko also met with Japanese foreign affairs minister and Palm Mim co-chairman Yoko Kamikawa in Suva.
Both foreign affairs ministers held talks on trade and investment, Japan’s grant assistance to PNG, security, reciprocal visa waivers, air services and promoting people to people exchanges nothing the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries coinciding with PNG’s 50th independence anniversary.
Tkatchenko also invited Kamikawa as well as extending Marape’s invitation to Kishida to visit PNG.