Visiting island affairs secretary calls on PM

AUSTRALIA’s parliamentary secretary for Pacific Island affairs Richard Marles yesterday called on Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare at his office at Morauta House.
Marles was accompanied by Australian High Commissioner Ian Kemish.
Also present was State Enterprises Minister Arthur Somare.
Sir Michael and Marles discussed at length bilateral relations between PNG and Australia.
The prime minister told Marles that PNG appreciated the commitment by former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd on the joint Australia-PNG effort to review universities in the country and would like to see the work completed and its recommendations implemented.
He said since Rudd was now given the foreign affairs portfolio, he was confident that bilateral
relations between Australia and PNG would be further strengthened and expanded.
Sir Michael and Marles discussed approaches to further developments on issues including climate change, social, political, economic and security issues.
Both leaders agreed on an initiative to be developed for closer relations between upcoming members of parliament from PNG and Australia.
Marles commended Sir Michael for his continued efforts in maintaining dialogue between Australia and PNG.
He said Australia would continue to partner with PNG to address issues affecting the interest of both countries and the Pacific region as a whole.
Meanwhile, Sir Michael said he was pleased with the camaraderie shown recently by Australians and other Pacific Islanders who live and work in New York who turned up in huge numbers to celebrate PNG’s 35th independence anniversary.