Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko has urged former Prime Minister and Member for Ialibu-Pangia, Peter O’neill MP, to consider the greater good of the nation before making ridiculous statements about Papua New Guinea’s International partners and relations especially on Security, for the sake only of political objection and mileage.
“Firstly, Mr. O’Neill’s insinuations that the Government has chosen to, and signed a supposed PNG-China Security deal is completely untrue and pathetic. Papua New Guinea has not signed such a deal.”
In a statement, Minister Tkatchenko clarifies that China offered to assist in the Policing Sector-in Training and for the Supply of Equipment to our Internal Security Sector.
“This offer is being carefully assessed, as we do not want to duplicate or compromise agreements already in place with our traditional security partners, Australia and the United States of America.”
“For Clarity, a Policing proposal like all other Bilateral propositions from our Partners in the various sectors for Cooperation, are tested and assessed against existing arrangements for complimentary and value adding within the Department of Foreign Affairs.”
Minister Tkatchenko expressed that O’Neill’s comments recently has totally contradicted his own intentions and actions as Prime Minister in 2013, seeking Defence Force assistance from China.
“With all due respect, the good member for Ialibu-Pangia must appreciate that Papua New Guinea has a carefully structured foreign policy with all our international partners. This is the same position we held when Grand Chief, Sir Michael Somare was our first Prime Minister in 1975, through to Mr. O’Neill’s tenure as PM, through to today.”
“That policy is that Papua New Guinea is a friend to all and enemy to none, and that is how we manage our foreign relations. Each of our partners bring something unique to the security table and we work together.”
“This includes our partners in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, China, Indonesia and other countries depending on the partnership and co-operation that is required.”
Meanwhile, Tkatchenko stated that, when it comes to security in particular, the global community has a massive challenge to combatting international organized criminal networks.
“All countries in the region were working together to undermine the movement of guns and drugs, and the trafficking of women and girls in the sick trade that amounts to modern-day slavery.”
“So I do take offence at the pathetic attempted politicization of our bilateral relationship with China, and any other country for that matter.”