Work to start on review of foreign policy

FOREIGN Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko says preliminary arrangements have been made to update the country’s 1981 foreign policy white paper.
He said the new foreign policy white paper would set out a comprehensive framework that would guide the country in its international engagements.
Tkatchenko said a team of experts and career diplomats who previously served the county’s foreign service would undertake the foreign policy review to establish the policy white paper.
The team would comprise of Sir Charles Lepani, Dame Jean Kekedo, Dame Meg Taylor, Gabriel Dasava, Winnie Kiap, Gabriel Pepson and ambassador Max Rai. “The team was selected on credibility, seen as the cream of the crop and distinguished Papua New Guineans with huge knowledge and wisdom,” Tkatchenko said.
“The first white paper was titled ‘active and selective engagement’ which seemed that they were selective of whom to associate with.”
Tkatchenko said this time the team would change the outlook to be “friends to all and enemies to none” based on global changes.
“I have given the seven member team a deadline to have the white paper finished by June 1, 2023,” he said.
Tkatchenko said Australia’s government would support the exercise.