Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Justin Tkatchenko, MP, met with Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong this morning for a breakfast meeting on the margins of the Australia–Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum.
The meeting reaffirmed the close and enduring partnership between the two nations, underscoring their shared commitment to deepening cooperation across multiple sectors. Minister Tkatchenko described the discussions as productive and forward-looking, noting that regular high-level engagement continues to strengthen the relationship between Papua New Guinea and Australia.
“Our regular conversations at this level continue to strengthen our resolve as close and traditional partners over recent years,” Minister Tkatchenko said.
Key topics included progress under existing cooperation frameworks in security, employment pathways, human resource development, and economic growth. Both Ministers acknowledged that several initiatives are now advancing toward implementation, reflecting tangible outcomes from ongoing policy coordination.
As Co-Chairs of the Ministerial Forum, Ministers Tkatchenko and Wong emphasised the forum’s role as a cornerstone of bilateral dialogue, providing strategic oversight of the partnership’s direction and priorities.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of aligning future cooperation with shared goals in regional stability, economic resilience, and sustainable development, consistent with the evolving Papua New Guinea–Australia Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership.
Minister Tkatchenko expressed appreciation to Minister Wong and the Australian Government for their continued commitment to supporting Papua New Guinea’s development aspirations, reaffirming that both countries remain “partners of choice” in advancing prosperity and stability in the Pacific.