Papua New Guinea is providing potential job opportunities for retired police and military personnel, according to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
Currently attending the 53rd Pacific Island Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, Prime Minister Rabuka met with Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape on Monday.
The two leaders and their delegations discussed several topics, including the reopening of Fiji’s diplomatic mission in Papua New Guinea and initiatives to enhance climate resilience in the Pacific region.
Additionally, Prime Minister Rabuka shared that they talked about planning a visit to Indonesia to discuss issues related to West Papua. Last year, both leaders were appointed by the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) as special envoys to engage with the Indonesian President.
Rabuka noted, “We were intended to visit Indonesia to have discussions with their authorities about West Papua, but we have not yet done so. We will need to inform the MSG leaders at our upcoming subregional meeting that our visit to the President has not occurred.”
He also mentioned delays due to the electoral process in Indonesia, suggesting it would be more beneficial to speak with the newly elected President rather than one whose term is concluding.
Furthermore, Rabuka indicated that Fiji could provide personnel deployment from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) for peacekeeping missions in Papua New Guinea.
“Training facilities at Black Rock are accessible for PNG personnel for joint operational training as needed,” he added.
Additionally, Rabuka expressed that Fiji plans to enhance cultural and educational opportunities for Papua New Guinea in the near future.