Caption: (L) General
Toropo, Defence Secretary Porti, and Admiral Locklear
By MATTHEW VARI
Wednesday, April 16, 2014 (Midweek Chronicle, PNG)
THE United States and Papua New Guinea have signed an
Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) yesterday between the Papua
New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) General Gilbert Toropo, PNG Defence Secretary
John Porti, and visiting US Pacific Command (PACOM) Commander Admiral Samuel
Locklear.
With the signed agreement- the PNGDF and the country as a
whole will benefit from the facilitation of logistic support, supplies, and
services during exercises, training, or emergencies.
The ACSA agreement does not, in any way commit either country
to any military action.
It provides the basic framework for cooperation in military
logistics matters- with the overall purpose to increase the readiness of
military partnerships by reducing the initial logistics hurdles.
During his visit yesterday, Admiral Locklear reaffirmed the
US commitment to PNG and the Asia-Pacific region, saying that the signing was
symbolic of the peace and security the US aims to have in the region.
“Today is historic for us in that we sign a simple agreement
to for us to work together for the common good of the region,” Admiral Locklear
said.
“Though the PNGDF is small- it is doing a lot in terms of
assisting in the region and through supporting the UN through peacekeeping
operations.”
“As we go forward the objective of the US Military is to have
peace and prosperity for all in this region.”
He explained that the bureaucracy was a major hurdle when in
came to collaborative efforts between countries in times of crisis.
Speaking on behalf of the PNG Government, Secretary for
Defence John Porti thanked the United States for what he said was a new chapter
as partners for a common good in the region.
“Today’s environment has been challenging and what the US has
offered, being the leader in the region, is something which PNG is appreciative
of.”
“On behalf of the government I would like to thank Admiral
Locklear who has signed this document of behalf of his government.”
The US has bilateral relations ACSAs with over 100 countries
around the world.
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