PNG committed to leaders’ safety and summit success

APEC Minister Justin Tkatchenko is confident that PNG will host one of the best Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Leaders’ Summits on neutral ground.
Tkatchenko told The National that Prime Minister Peter O’Neill is chairman of Apec and PNG has the opportunity to strengthen trade between other Apec economies.
“O’Neill is in a strategic position where he can take to the next level and get some positive outcomes.
“The scenario is that while there are trade wars going on between those countries, we could get some positive outcomes now and into the future for the benefit of our people with the policies and agendas that they will come out with over the two days while they are in Port Moresby,” he said.
As minister responsible and together with prime minister, Tkatchenko has vowed to ensure that this Apec is an absolute success for PNG now and into the future.
“Certainly areas will be closed down for a short period of time for security requirements of the other economies. We have to entertain the other economies to ensure their leaders are safe in PNG.
“They have never been in PNG so they must ensure that all aspects of security are covered so their leaders’ are safe and they can get from point A to point B without any incident. “We will ensure with our defense capabilities that this happens. With the joint security taskforce with Australia, New Zealand and America all working together, it will be very secure, safe and sound for all leaders.
“For us it’s about ensuring that all the 20 leaders that are here, hosted by
our prime minister, have a safe and enjoyable Apec meeting that they can remember for a long time to come,” Tkatchenko said.
“We will give it the Pacific style, we have some magnificent facilities. We are unique, our country, our climate, our culture and traditions, and we will put it all on display for the world to see,” he said.