Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF) Minister Win Bakri Daki expressed PNG’s commitment during the 8th edition of the South Pacific Defense Ministers Meeting (SPDMM) recently held from 4th-6th December 2023 in New Caledonia Capital, Noumea City.
The Members of the SPDMM initiative are Chile, New Zealand, Tonga, Fiji, PNG, Australia, and France, whilst the United Kingdom and United States observe.
The Ministers came to an understanding of the Pacific Nations historic responsibility to protect the pacific from the ongoing military tension and conflicts, strengthening the bilateral cooperation.
Minister Daki was able to converse with French Minister of Armed Forces Mr. Sebastian Lecornu to identify common motives moving forward enabling both leaders to protect their exclusive Economic Zones.
France works in accordance with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency as a member of the Pacific Quad.
Thanks to the signed Letter of intent by both France and PNG Defense minister’s, the joint boarding or ship riding will be facilitated by France, commencing to protect both nation’s interests.
With the initiative of the French President Emmanuel Macron, French Minister Lecornu addressed a Pacific Academy to meet PNGDF’s training needs, by multiplying 6 (Six) trainees from the south Pacific countries.
To improve the fight against consequences of climate change the France Military Programming Law will provide patrol boats, drones, and satellite coverage and consider any needs from PNG.
The SPDMM is an initiative from Australia established in 2013 to carry out defensive and security procedures to face the undeclared, unregulated, and illegal marine activities, working closely with the Pacific Islands Forum Fishery Agency.