Today I will travel to Port Moresby to attend the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting.
The PIF is the pre-eminent regional organisation in the Pacific.
Australia has been an active participant in the PIF since its inception in 1971.
The Forum underpins regional cooperation. It facilitates greater economic engagement and social development.
The theme for this year’s PIF is Strengthening Connections to Enhance Pacific Regionalism.
While in Papua New Guinea, I will host a breakfast with members of the Australia-PNG Business Council to further encourage commercial ties between our nations.
I also look forward to meeting with Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.
It will be an opportunity to congratulate PNG on its 40th anniversary of independence.
9 September 2015