Japan to give K415m to PNG

Caption: Japanese Prime Minister Sinzo Abe being escorted by Deputy Prime Minister Leo Dion to the Guard of Honour Parade.

Caption:  Prime Minister Abe inspecting the guard of honour.

Caption: Japan Prime Minister Sinzo Abe.

Caption: Prime Ministers Abe and O’Neill at a joint statement conference at the National Parliament.

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, July 13, 2014 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

THE Japanese Government has pledged 20 billion yen (K415 million) to the people of Papua New Guinea over the next three years during the visit of its Prime Minister Sinzo Abe last week in the last leg of his tour in the region- with visits already to Australia and New Zealand.

This commitment will bring to total, including K3.2 billion spent over the last four decades, in access of more than K3.6 billion that will be spent in aid on the country by 2017.

In a joint statement held at the National Parliament by both Prime Ministers- the Japanese PM said that it was only fitting for his visit to the country before the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1975.

“Next year will mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between japan and PNG,” Mr Abe said.

“After seeing such a welcome I really see that the relationship between the two countries has greatly developed.”

“Prime Minister O’Neill and I share the intension to develop the friendly and cooperative relationship between the countries in a comprehensive partnership, taking this opportunity to hope my visit to PNG will continue the cooperation between the two countries further in ensuring stability and prosperity of the region.”

He said as it was vital for Japan to maintain a strong relationship with PNG as it is a power in the Pacific Island Region and also the agreement of double taxation avoidance.

“In the summit meeting we discussed bilateral cooperation as well as cooperation in the region and the international arena,” Prime Minister Abe pointed out.

“We hope to intensify our assistance and cooperation towards a double taxation avoidance agreement as soon as practicable.”

The Japanese PM also reflected that his last visit to the country was in an advisory capacity to the then Prime Minister of Japan Yasuhiro Nakasone in 1975.

“From the bottom of my heart I am delighted to visit Papua New Guinea for the second time as it has been 29 years since the last Prime Minister of japan visited your country,” he told his counterpart Prime Minister Peter O’Niell.

“I am also delight to see the tradition dance and culture of Papua New Guinea coming over to this country, as well as the warm welcome I received from many of the children of Papua New Guinea out on the streets waving the Japanese flags, and I’m very much determined and reaffirmed how warm the welcome was.”

“For Japan as we promote our Pacific Regional Policy, Papua New Guinea is indeed an important partner as a regional power of this region, and I hope we will be able to continue to work together for the further prosperity and stability of this region.”

Welcoming the visit of the Japanese PM, Prime Minister O’Neill reiterated that Japan was a good partner and friend to not only Papua New Guinea but also the Pacific region and asked that its assistance be continued for mutual economic benefits to be gained. 

“Japan is a good partner and friend in the Pacific and have been a very strong development partner for us, and it is on this occasion that let me ask you for your continued support and continued assistance in development of Papua New Guinea and many of the Pacific Island countries,” O’Neill said.

“The relationship between the two countries in terms of making investments and Japan is now becoming our largest trading partner and I think it is fair to say that it will continue to grow into the future.”

“We welcome this opportunity to engage with the Prime Minister and his delegation and I hope that they enjoy their trip in our country.”