Papua New Guinea is presenting potential job opportunities for retired police and military personnel, according to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. The Prime Minister made this announcement while attending the 53rd Pacific Island Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting in Nuku’alofa, Tonga.
During a bilateral meeting with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape, the leaders discussed the reopening of Fiji’s diplomatic mission in Papua New Guinea and ways to enhance climate resilience in the region.
Rabuka also mentioned that the agenda included planning a visit to Indonesia to address the situation in West Papua. Last year, both leaders were designated as special envoys by the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to speak with Indonesia’s President.
“We were meant to visit Indonesia to engage with their authorities regarding West Papua, but this has not yet occurred. Therefore, we need to inform the MSG leaders at our upcoming subregional meeting that we haven’t yet met with the President,” Mr. Rabuka explained.
The delay was partly due to Indonesia’s elections, with Rabuka emphasizing the importance of meeting with the newly elected President.
Additionally, Rabuka highlighted that Fiji could assist in deploying PNG personnel as part of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) in peacekeeping missions. He noted that the Black Rock training facilities are available for joint operations training for PNG personnel when needed.
He also indicated that more cultural and educational opportunities would be offered to Papua New Guinea by Fiji in the foreseeable future.