Minister for Foreign Affairs and Member for Moresby South Justin Tkatchenko has expressed sadness over the recent passing of late Sir Charles Watson Lepani, KBE CBE OBE. “Devastated to hear this morning (Saturday 11th January) of the passing of a highly respected Papua New Guinean who served his country with all his heart, and with great distinction - a Senior Statesman, a friend, brother - Late Sir Charles Lepani KBE CBE OBE.” Tkatchenko said, "Sir Charles was part of a group of young, esteemed Papua New Guineans who set out early in our history as an Independent nation to establish the Public Service machinery and served with great distinction for a long period of time, also serving as a diplomat later in his career." “He would later on lead our hosting of APEC 2018, a significant event on the international calendar, where we worked closely together to host this meeting for world leaders. He continued to serve the country by recently leading the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) tasked with reviewing and drafting the Foreign Policy White Paper.” “I truly am indebted to Sir Charles for the standard of work that we were able to achieve with his guidance and leadership, and for the quality of the experience shared, from over the years of our efforts in service to country. Rest in God's Everlasting Peace my brother.”