- Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism, Special Minister of State
- The Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Minister for Defence Industry
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong and Papua New Guinea Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Justin Tkatchenko BEM OL MP will tomorrow co-chair the 29th Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum in Canberra.
As neighbours, friends and equals, the relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea is profoundly important to both countries.
Foreign Ministers will be joined by nine Australian Ministers and sixteen Papua New Guinea Ministers, speaking to the breadth and depth of our partnership.
Ministers will discuss our economic relationship, strategic cooperation for security and stability, and social and human development.
The Ministerial Forum follows the Annual Leaders' Dialogue between Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Marape in January, supporting their ambitious vision for the bilateral relationship.
Quote attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:
"In the face of global challenges affecting our region, Australia and Papua New Guinea are working together with new energy in the interests of a safe, peaceful and prosperous Pacific.
"I look forward to working with Minister Tkatchenko and other Ministers to advance our modern partnership at the Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum."
Quote attributable to Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell:
"Australia and Papua New Guinea share an ambition to boost our business, trade and investment relationships.
"We will continue to work together to ensure a mutually beneficial bilateral economic partnership and bolster two-way trade and investment."
Quote attributable to Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:
"Australia and Papua New Guinea are the closest of neighbours and dearest of friends. Our relationship is built on deep economic and security cooperation, underpinned by ties through culture, churches, labour mobility and of course sport.
"We are honoured to host the Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum which is an opportunity to ensure our partnership grows to reflect contemporary opportunities and challenges."
