31 July 2013

Chief of the Defence Force to visit Papua New Guinea

The Australian Chief of the Defence Force (CDF), General David Hurley, AC, DSC, and his wife Mrs Linda Hurley will be visiting Papua New Guinea (PNG) from 1 to 3 August in support of our enduring PNG Australia defence partnership.

This will be General Hurley’s inaugural visit to PNG as CDF, and he will be taking time to meet with PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) troops in Port Moresby and Wewak.

General Hurley will meet with his counterpart, Commander of the PNGDF, Brigadier General Francis Agwi, DMS, CBE, and discuss ways in which Australia and PNG can work together to ensure that our region is safe and secure.

“The PNGDF has been an important contributor to regional operations, such as the Regional Assistance Mission in Solomon Islands (RAMSI) and is important that we build on our experience” said Australia’s Defence Adviser in Port Moresby Colonel Dick Parker.

During his visit, General Hurley will also meet with Defence Secretary Mr John Porti and senior PNG Government officials to discuss ways to increase defence ties between our countries. This follows the signing of a PNG-Australia Defence Cooperation Arrangement by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard in May this year.

“The Defence Cooperation Arrangement recognises the maturity of the defence relationship between PNG and Australia” said Colonel Parker. “The Arrangement will be used as framework to deliver an expanded program of Defence Cooperation Program activities in PNG, which this year will grow to approximately A$27 million.”

Demonstrating the special bond shared between our two countries, Mrs Hurley will be accompanying General Hurley, and take the opportunity to meet with PNGDF families. Mrs Hurley will also experience Port Moresby’s significant cultural and historical sights.

General Hurley assumed his current appointment as CDF on 4 July 2011. He became a Companion of the Order of Australia for eminent service to the Australian Defence Force in 2010. General Hurley was also awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his service in Somalia during Operation SOLACE (Somalia) in 1993.