Media Release: Visit to Papua New Guinea

I will travel to Papua New Guinea from 2 to 5 February to further strengthen our enduring Australia-PNG partnership.

I am pleased to be returning so soon after my visit in November 2018 with Pacific Island leaders during the APEC Summit.

Australia’s partnership with Papua New Guinea is one of lasting significance. It is rooted in our deep historical bonds and close cultural understanding. Our development cooperation is making a difference to people’s lives.

The Australian Government is committed to stepping up our engagement with the Pacific. Supporting a stable and prosperous Papua New Guinea is directly in Australia’s national interest.

In Port Moresby, Lae and Goroka I will discuss with Papua New Guinean leaders how our governments can work together to achieve Papua New Guinea’s development objectives.

In the commercial hub of Lae, I will meet with members of the Australian business community, who lead some of the 4,000 Australian businesses that underpin our $5 billion two-way trade and $16 billion investment relationship.

I will visit Australian development-funded infrastructure, health, education, nutrition and agricultural projects that are directly improving the lives of individuals and communities.

The delegation will also focus on the important work Australia does in supporting gender equality and women’s empowerment in Papua New Guinea. I look forward to meeting with many impressive female leaders, advocates and entrepreneurs.