Papua New Guinea is looking to provide employment opportunities for retired police and military personnel, according to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. While attending the 53rd Pacific Island Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, Mr. Rabuka held a bilateral discussion with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape.
During their meeting, they addressed the reopening of Fiji’s diplomatic mission in Papua New Guinea and explored ways to enhance climate resilience within the region. Mr. Rabuka noted that another topic of discussion was the planned visit to Indonesia to engage in dialogue about the situation in West Papua.
Last year, both prime ministers were designated as special envoys by the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to discuss matters with the Indonesian President regarding West Papua. Mr. Rabuka highlighted that they had not yet made the visit and intended to update MSG leaders about this at the next subregional meeting. The delay was attributed to the recent elections in Indonesia, which Mr. Rabuka suggested might better position them to speak with the newly elected President.
Furthermore, Mr. Rabuka indicated that Fiji is willing to deploy personnel from Papua New Guinea as part of its Republic of Fiji Military Forces for peacekeeping endeavors. He mentioned the availability of Black Rock training facilities for joint operations training for PNG personnel when necessary.
Looking ahead, Mr. Rabuka also expressed that Fiji plans to expand cultural and educational opportunities for Papua New Guinea in the near future.