On Wednesday, June 19th, 2024, the 30th Papua New Guinea-Australia Annual Ministerial Forum took place in Port Moresby. The forum focused on enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation through the Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership (CSEP). Discussions covered pillars like strong democracies, regional partnerships, and strategic cooperation for security and stability. Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatcheno said important topics included bilateral security agreements, defense cooperation, economic growth initiatives, and Australia’s efforts to build strategic trust with Pacific Island countries. “Pillar 2 of the Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership is focused on strengthening ties with our neighbors and global partners." "I acknowledge the work of PNG and Australia, together, to reinforce Pacific unity and encourage Pacific consensus through transparent and inclusive decision-making in regional forums." "I also commend the established practice of Papua New Guinea and Australia helping each other in the region in times of crisis.” “We also discussed ways to further strengthen our Strategic Cooperation for Security and Stability between our two countries in key strategic areas." "These are; Bilateral Security Agreements, Policing and Justice, Defense Cooperation, Border and Maritime Security including Torres Strait Treaty, Cyber Security and Telecommunications, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief,” said Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko. He said the PNG-Australia Forum highlighted economic and strategic cooperation, with emphasis on economic growth, business ties, trade, and investment between the two nations. The forum also highlighted the role of Senior Officials and Government to Business (G2B) forums in promoting trade facilitation. A significant focus was placed on the Australian Development Partnership, aligning with PNG’s Vision 2050 and Medium-Term Development Plan IV, targeting education, health, gender equality, women’s empowerment, and climate change for socio-economic development. PNG welcomed the initiative by Australia to build Strategic Trust between Australia and Pacific Island Countries and further welcomes the three tiered approach at the national, the sub-regional (Melanesian Spearhead Group/MSG) and regional levels. Note that to unlock greater economic potential, securing law and order is critical and PNG acknowledges Australia's continuous support in this sector. At the Ministerial Forum, a Joint Statement on Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Cooperation was signed. Australia's current TVET investment in PNG is AU$60 million, with a request to increase it to AU$100 million. Minister Tkatchenko said this cooperation aims to build quality human resources in PNG to address development needs and challenges. The forum also addressed Labour Mobility and Human Resource Development focusing on the significance of the employment visa and Pacific Employment Visa (PEV) programs for human resource development and better livelihoods. PNG acknowledged Australia’s 50% participation in the PEV program, recognizing its contribution to enhancing labor mobility and community development. Minister Tkatchenko emphasized the importance of trust and cooperation in the bilateral relationship between PNG and Australia.