PNG reciprocates Visa on arrival status to India

Caption:   Indian president meets PNGDF Commander Brigadier General Toropo to inspect the guard of honour.

By MATTHEW VARI

ANNOUNCING on behalf of the National Government- Governor General Sir Michael Ogio announced a reciprocation of India’s gesture to Pacific Island countries for Visa on Arrival status by granting the same to Indian tourists.

Declared in November 2014, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in the first Pacific Island Leaders Meeting in Suva, Fiji.

The governor general thanked the President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee and his government for opening its doors to pacific island countries.

“In 2015, I note that you have commenced facilitation of visa on arrival in India for Pacific Island Countries.”

“On behalf of the Government of Papua New Guinea, I am pleased to announce that Papua New Guinea will also be allowing visa on arrival for Indian tourists to facilitate exchange and promotes better understanding between our people.”

“Moreover this arrangement will enhance the people to people linkages between our people,” Ogio said.

He said relations between both nations were based on mutual friendship, cooperation, and trust that would be beneficial in the region.

“We believe that this relationship is very significant as it brings substantial benefits to the Asia Pacific region as a whole.”

“As developing countries, we should support each other’s efforts in our development endeavors.”

“We understand that each country brings different strengths to the relationship. We should acknowledge each other’s achievements, but we should not presumes to have answers for each other’s problems.”

Indian President Mukherjee highlighted the goal of maintaining strong relations in the region.

“During his visit to the in 2014, Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, had articulated the vision of my government to build an enduring partnership between our nations and our peoples.”

“We consider our co-operation with the islands of the Pacific to be a key component of our Act East Policy. A number of initiatives announced at the first FIPIC summit have borne fruit and India remains committed to this process.”

“I would like to thank you and say what a pleasure it is for me, personally, to be here. I take this opportunity to most cordially invite you to visit India,” President Mukherjee said.