“As the Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, it is an honour to inform the Government and people of Papua New Guinea of the appointment of Mr Noan David Pakop, as the first Papua New Guinean to be the Director General of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA).” That is according to the Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources Honourable Jelta Wong, MP in a media statement today. Minister Wong added that Mr Pakop who hails from Tilienu Island in the Manus Province was officially appointed by the 23rd Forum Fisheries Committee Ministers in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Mr Pakop becomes the 10th Director General of the FFA since its establishment in 1979. “This is a historic achievement for us as no Papua New Guinean has ever been appointed to this prestigious position since the inception of the FFA 45 years ago.” “I would like to thank our good Prime Minister, Honourable James Marape, and the Government of Papua New Guinea for their trust and undivided support in endorsing PNG’s candidacy.” “This is yet another milestone achievement for the Fisheries sector in responding to the Government’s call to assume strategic leadership roles in the region.”