Papua New Guinea (PNG) can expect a boost in surveillance and monitoring of illegal activities on its waters now that the Ship- Rider agreement between the country and the United States (US) Government, is in the process of being ratified.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko announced this in parliament today when responding to questions from the member for Hiri Koiari on the update on regional security agreements PNG had signed with partner countries.
The Ship- Rider agreement will enable security of PNG waters in partnership of with the United States Coast Guards, whereby PNG personnel will be working along side their counterparts on board vessels using latest technologies to monitor and deter any illegal activities at sea, such as illegal fishing, human trafficking, drug trafficking and arms smuggling to name a few.
“After nine years of negotiation and have Ship- Rider document on the shelve, we are finally ready to sign the agreement between the United States of America and Papua New Guinea,” said the minister.
Minister Tkatchenko went on to confirm that the Ship- Rider agreement will be ratified next week. This agreement between the US and PNG is important because it will enable the policing of PNG waters using technologies like satellite navigation to pinpoint suspicious vessels and allow for Coast Guard vessels to investigate.