The Australian Government has gifted the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) with a newly fitted boat to serve under the Police Sea Patrol fleet. The boat, which formerly served as an Australian Police Sea Vessel, is now the largest sea vessel to serve in the RPNGC. The donation of the new vessel comes under the Bilateral Security Agreement signed by Prime Minister James Marape last year with Australia. The gifting ceremony, which was held at the Royal Papuan Yacht Club in Port Moresby, saw delegates of both Papua New Guinea and Australia such as, Attorney General of Australia (AGA) Mr. Mark Dreyfus, Australian High Commissioner Reece Kershaw APM, PNG Prime Minister James Marape, PNG Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko, PNG Commissioner of Police MBE David Manning, ministers, commissioners, and distinguished counterparts. The former Australian vessel known as the Van Diemen will now be known as the “Minigulai” as it scours the seas of PNG and marine Borders monitoring and deterring illegal and unregulated activities, and to be used for rescue operations and marine enforcement. The AGA Mr. Dreyfus on behalf of Australia Federal Police (AFP) under the Australian Government was pleased to share his words of good will and pleasure towards contributing to RPNGC sea patrol fleet, gifting one of the largest vessels in the RPNGC Fleet. “In Australia you have been assured as a friend and I believe we shall form a true partnership to forge a great advantage of both our countries and for the welfare of both our peoples,” said Mr. Dreyfus. Mr. Dreyfus reiterated the initial commitment and words by the forefathers of Australia and PNG, Grand Chief Michael Somare and Edward Gough Whitlam. Words that foretold the links, strong and true, between our nations. Links that grow in strength and in diversity. Minigulai will commit itself to the seas to establish mutual security operations for both nations and maintain the proper security in the PNG Marine Borders from illegal activities. The 23 meters vessel Minigulai spent almost three decades with the Tasmania Police Fleet. Built from marine grade aluminium, it has a successful patrol history and proven itself on the waters of the Brass Strait, Tasman Sea and Rugged Southern Ocean. It made its final three weeks journey to PNG from Hobart, Australia.