PNG govt reaffirms support for Fiji

The Papua New Guinea government has reaffirmed its continued support for Fiji during the challenging phase in Fiji's history and will continue to closely engage with Fiji in dialogue about the status of reforms being undertaken.

Fiji's Foreign Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola hosted bilateral meetings with his PNG Counterpart Sam Abal this morning after Abal paid a courtesy visit to the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.

Abal also acknowledged the progress that has been realized so far by Fiji and reassured that PNG remained ready to assist where it could, particularly in regard to avenues of cooperation associated with preparations for elections.

Abal also stated that the renewed efforts of dialogue between Fiji, New Zealand and Australia were very encouraging and hoped that such consultations would continue.

Discussions between Ratu Inoke and Abal also covered this years Melanesian Spearhead Group Leaders summit to be hosted in Fiji in July where Prime Minister Bainimarama will take over as chair of the MSG group.

The highlight of the meeting was confirmation from Abal that a piece of land has been identified in Port Moresby for the construction of the Fiji Chancery which follows the allocation of land in Muanikau area for the construction of the PNG mission in Fiji.

The two foreign Ministers also discussed the interim Economic Partnership Agreement signed between the two countries and the European Union and they have agreed to work together to ensure the interests of the two countries were safeguarded throughout the negotiation process between the EU and the Pacific ACP states.