The new Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, HE Jonathan Philp, arrived in Port Moresby on 21 March to commence his appointment.
Recognising the seriousness of the current situation, Mr Philp opted to arrive in Port Moresby earlier than planned to lead Australia’s work to support PNG prepare for and respond to a COVID-19 outbreak.
‘Although there are challenging times ahead, the PNG -Australia Partnership has never been stronger, and our countries stand together to face this threat to our communities and region’, said Mr Philp on his arrival.
‘PNG is one of our most important international partners and I’m pleased to be here to lead Australia’s work to support PNG at this time’, he said.
The High Commissioner is engaging with the PNG Government and PNG leaders via phone for his first two weeks in PNG. In phone calls with the Hon Patrick Pruaitch CMG MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and the Treasurer, the Hon Ian Ling Stuckey MP, he reinforced Australia’s continued commitment to PNG’s long-term development priorities.
Reflecting the importance Australia places on our partnership with PNG, the Australian High Commission remains open for business.
Mr Philp is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He has served overseas as Ambassador to Afghanistan and Ambassador to Turkey. In the private sector, Mr Philp worked as a senior executive with Woodside Energy.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100
Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, HE Jonathan Philp.