As part of Papua New Guinea and Australia's Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA), today’s official opening of the PNG-Australia Policing Partnership Kokopo Office marks the beginning of the next phase of Australia’s support for law enforcement cooperation activities in the province. The opening of the PNG-APP Kokopo Office is the first Provincial location outside of Port Moresby and Lae, and this indicates a stronger partnership between the Papua New Guinea and Australia. Support for provincial policing, forensics, prosecutions, support for specialist functions, and infrastructure all form part of the PGK408 million (AUD157 million) package that will be delivered over four years under the Papua New Guinea and Australi’s Bilateral Security Agreement. RPNGC Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations Samson Kua, Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioners Nigel Ryan and Jamie Strauss travelled to Kokopo with Australian High Commissioner John Feakes at the invitation of the Governor of East New Britain, The Hon Michael Marum MP. There they were also joined by Assistant Commissioner New Guinea Islands Command Naua Vanuawaru to officially open the PNG-APP Kokopo Office and during the official opening AC Ryan highlighted that the opening of the new facility demonstrated Australia’s ongoing commitment to the BSA. "The Australian Federal Police has demonstrated its commitment to maintaining and enhancing its relationship with PNG through the delivery of programs and initiatives under the PNG-APP.” “Here in East New Britain, we’re delivering PGK25 million in new RPNGC Infrastructure to significantly enhance the capability of the Constabulary.” he said. Through the PNG-APP, Australia continues to work closely with the RPNGC to deliver equipment, assets and training that will help PNG develop a world class police force. Under the agreement, Australia has: • Gifted the Police Patrol Vessel PV Minigulai, enabling long range se patrols to protect PNG's maritime boarders; • Delivered less-than-lethal use-of-force training for RPNGC and equipment. • Provided funding for five ex-patriot Director-level positions within the RPNGC: AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION PORT MORESBY • Designed Australia-based training for more than 60 RPNGC Police Officer Cadets to enhance their policing and leadership skills; and • Commenced construction of a brand-new forensics facility in NCD, with hubs in Mt Hagen, Kokopo and Lae. Australia remains committed to delivering security support tailored to PNG's traditional and non-traditional security needs, as it has over decades of partnership.