Media release
7 July 2010
For immediate release
Smith, Sherry and McMullan to visit PNG
The Hon. Stephen Smith MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, will visit Papua New Guinea (PNG) on Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 July, accompanied by Assistant Treasurer Nick Sherry and Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance Bob McMullan.
They will travel to Alotau in Milne Bay Province, where they will meet a PNG Ministerial delegation led by the Hon. Samuel Abal, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration.
The visit will provide another important opportunity to discuss a range of issues that reflect the historical depth and breadth of the friendship and bilateral relationship between Australia and PNG.
The discussions in Alotau follow on from a very positive and productive meeting on the PNG Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Project that Mr. Smith co-chaired with the Hon. Arthur Somare, PNG Minister for Public Enterprises, in Melbourne on 1 July. Australia is delighted that PNG has secured the LNG project. Australia is committed to helping PNG realise the enormous economic and social potential of this project.
In Alotau, Ministers will discuss the response to the independent review of the Development Cooperation Treaty Review and how both sides can work to improve the effectiveness of our development cooperation partnership. An important element of the discussions will be the review of advisers in the aid program, which the Mr Smith announced on Budget night in May.
Australia and PNG have a shared interest in ensuring Australia’s development assistance program is effective in delivering sustainable development outcomes for PNG, provides value for money and complements PNG priorities.
Mr. Smith, Mr. Sherry and Mr. McMullan will also advance cooperation on the Kokoda Track. The Kokoda Track is of deep historical significance to both nations and symbolizes the lasting bond of friendship and mutual affection between the peoples of PNG and Australia.
Ministers will also meet with representatives of the PNG and Australian business communities.
Australia’s relationship with PNG is one of our most important, and is underpinned by geographical proximity, a shared history and strong people-to-people links.