PNG’s Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko has set sights on getting the country’s Foreign Policy White Paper tabled in Parliament in May, with government backing. The Foreign Policy White Paper is hoped to be completed by April, following an extension of time given. The Minister stated this when receiving an interim report on the Foreign White Policy Paper from the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) tasked with the review and draft of the policy paper. According to Sir Charles Lepani, EPG team leader and Chair, the document given is in essence an Interim Foreign Policy Report Commending the EPG's work so far, while urging them to complete it in the short time before May, Minister Tkatchenko highlighted the Foreign Policy White Paper as a key priority of the Marape-Rosso Government. He said a quality outcome when completed, will serve the best interest of the country. “Over the years successive governments have failed to produce one.” Sir Charles in response said the team has put in a lot of work to come up with the document - its content and substance are the bases of the Foreign Policy White Paper. He said the interim report on the Policy Paper allows an opportunity for the Minister, and Department Secretary to review the EPG team’s progress so far, and make any recommendations that can be added into the final policy paper. “We need to have as much of the views of provincial governments including the premiers, administrative arms, Chamber of Commerce, Non-Government Organisations, and groups including churches.” The next phase in the consultation process before the formulation of the final Policy White Paper is visits by members of the EPG team to various provinces for their conversations and research before final recommendations will be considered and incorporated into the final report and Drafting of the Foreign Policy White Paper. “Going to the provinces will be very beneficial as their understanding on the ground is very important,” said Sir Charles.