Tkatchenko welcomes Australian delegates

*(from right)* Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy *(wearing glasses)* and Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, Foreign Affairs Minister, Justin Tkatchenko and NCD Governor, Powes Parkop *(Supplied- AHC)*

Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkachenko formally welcomed the Australian delegates today at the APEC International Airport, ahead of the 32^nd Ministerial Forum between PNG and Australia.

The delegation was led by the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, Richard Marles, and Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, alongside cabinet Ministers and officials.

Tkatchenko said this 32^nd Ministerial Forum meeting is an opportunity for the PNG and Australian governments to sit together to discuss issues for the benefit of both countries.

‘’This is where we get together as brothers and sisters as two nations joined together, to discuss our issues for the benefit of both our countries,” Said Tkatchenko.

He said the Papua New Guinea Government is looking forward to this forum and the outcomes that will come out of this important meeting.

Expressing his gratitude for the warm welcome, Richard Marles said this meeting will be the first between the two countries as Allies.

“It is so important that we are here for this 32^nd annual Australia and PNG Ministerial Forum. Today there are 8 ministers from Australia who have come to participate in this forum. It is our 32^nd but it is our first as allies which very much changes the character of our relationship,” Marles said.

He added that the two countries have always been friends now have each other’s backs and that is what is means to be allies.

Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles and his delegation on arrival at Jackson's international airport in Port Moresby this morning *(Supplied- AHC)*

Marles also announced that the Australian Government is looking forward to recruiting Papua New Guineans directly into the Australian Defence Force.

He further announced that there will be discussions regarding economic relations between the two countries and that Australia remains the largest trading and Investment partner.

Marles said more talks regarding the two countries will be held later this evening.