This week I will travel to Papua New Guinea to understand the impact of development work, particularly in the health sphere, and undertake local meetings.
Over five days I will visit Port Moresby and nearby towns of Kuriva, Kerea and Pari, as well as Goroka and Asaro.
The visit will enable discussions with PNG officials, Australian officials, regional leaders, development partners, delivery agencies and local communities.
Australia is PNG’s largest trade and investment partner, while also being the largest destination for Australian development assistance. As the closest of neighbours and the deepest of partners I look forward to the opportunity to better understand the relationship between our nations and how we can secure the best outcomes from our work together.
I particularly thank the Pacific Friends of Global Health and Save the Children for their support in undertaking this visit and welcome the opportunity to focus on important matters such as maternal health, family and sexual violence, water safety and the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis, malaria and HIV.
This will be my first visit to PNG as Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, having last visited as Trade Minister for APEC meetings. I look forward to renewing discussions with local officials on our two way trade and investment relationship, along with the growing security ties underpinned by the Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership that was agreed in 2020.