Positive and productive outcomes on Australia-PNG aid and bilateral issues

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Joint statement between Foreign Affairs and Immigration RT Hon Rabbie Namaliu, KCMG MP and the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon Alexander Downer, MP

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Sir Rabbie Namaliu and other Senior Ministers of Papua New Guinea met with the Foreign Affairs Minister of Australia, Hon. Alexander Downer from 17th – 18th September 2003 in Port Moresby to consult on a wide range of bilateral issues between Papua New Guinea and Australia including the existing aid relationship. Their discussions were positive and productive.

The main objective was to set the framework through which the key elements that underpin the Papua New Guinea-Australia relationship could be further advanced through existing arrangements to assist Papua New Guinea in addressing many of its social and economic challenges.

Both Foreign Ministers agreed that Papua New Guinea has a robust democracy and a functioning public service as well as a committed law and order and justice sector that are fundamental for a stable and prosperous future.

The Ministers noted the progress that has been made by Papua New Guinea to date in facilitating growth and stability.

They agreed that more needs to be done in advancing this progress with further support and involvement of Australia.

In this regard, Ministers agreed on a framework, which would include the following key elements:

• Commitment by both Australia and Papua New Guinea to work together as partners and to respect each other’s sovereignty, consistent with the spirit and the letter of the Joint Declaration of Principles (JDP).
  
• A firm commitment to work as close partners in addressing core challenges in Papua New Guinea in the areas of governance, law and order and justice, financial management, economic and social progress as well as capacity in the public service.
  
• Close engagement and cooperation with the International Financial Institutions, with strong support from Australia to enhance this relationship, acknowledging Papua New Guinea’s sovereign right to advance its national interests in association with the International Financial Institutions.
  
• Senior officials delegation to visit Papua New Guinea as early as possible to discuss assistance in the areas of macro-economic management and public sector reform.
  
• Senior officials delegation to visit Papua New Guinea as early as possible to discuss how Australia can assist in law and order, policing, justice issues and related governance concerns.
  
• An agreement in principle to examine the placement of Australian officials in positions in departments and agencies during the senior officials delegations visits.
  
• Agreement to commence a joint review of the Development Cooperation Treaty in an effort to assess the effectiveness of the contributions from both Papua New Guinea and Australia towards mutually agreed priorities.
  
• Downsizing of PNGDF to no greater than 2000 personnel, including an early determination of the mechanism to release the second tranche of A$20 million.
  

Ministers noted that the agreement to this framework represents a new era for Australia - Papua New Guinea relations, and they look forward to working together to advance promptly the various proposals. Ministers agreed to work towards the development of a package of measures for agreement at the next Australia - Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum in Adelaide on 11th December 2003.

Ends..//

Alexander Downer at the breakfast meeting yesterday morning at Crown Plaza