For immediate release

30 September 2011

FOREIGN MINISTER TO VISIT PNG

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd will today travel to Papua New Guinea for discussions with the Government of Prime Minister Peter O’Neill which took office in August.

Mr Rudd’s visit comes ahead of the 20th Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum, scheduled to be held in Canberra on 12 October.

“We are at an important stage in one of Australia’s most significant bilateral relationships, as a new generation of leaders emerges in Papua New Guinea,” Mr Rudd said.

“The relationship is very strong, and the historical emphasis on aid has evolved into a broader, genuine partnership, based on shared interests and shared challenges.”

Mr Rudd said Australia and PNG were working cooperatively on issues including the PNG Government’s plan to establish sovereign wealth funds to manage revenue from PNG's resource boom.

PNG’s economy is expected to grow by 9% in 2011 and trade and investment links are growing rapidly between the two countries in mining, transport and service industries such as banking.

Mr Rudd will also discuss Australia’s development assistance program to PNG.

“Since 2007, Australia’s development partnership with PNG has deepened, with the two nations working to refocus the aid program away from consultants to delivering real results in education and health.”

Regional issues will also be discussed, including people smuggling, the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands and Fiji.