Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko MP, has tasked the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) responsible for revising Papua New Guinea’s Foreign Policy White Paper, to conduct an independent review of past revision endeavours to establish a modern direction for international diplomacy.
“This priority objective for the EPG will become the basis of the Foreign Policy White Paper to clearly reflect the sovereignty of Papua New Guinea and how the Government will coordinate its Regional and International Engagements moving into the future,” said Minister Tkatchenko.
In an official press conference today, Minister Tkatchenko introduced the EPG Members that comprises of Sir Charles Lepani (Chairman), Dame Meg Taylor, Ms. Winnie Kiap, Dame Jean Kekedo, Mr Gabriel Pepson, Mr Gabriel Dusava and Mr Robert Igara.
“I want to acknowledge these wonderful citizens who have put their hands up to support our government to ensure that this independent process takes place for the benefit of foreign policy.”
“They have had many years and a substantial amount of collective experience
with foreign affairs to be part of this very important Foreign Policy White
Paper.”
“I couldn’t ask for a better line up of professional Papua New Guineans who will make sure we know where we are going, as a government, as a sovereign country, when it comes to foreign affairs.”
“It was one of the first things I looked at as foreign minister to look at the current situations (in the Region and abroad) and put Papua New Guinea in a strategic position without fear and without favour.”
“There have been so many past reviews of this Foreign Policy White Paper but never approved and implemented so we will ensure that this is done in the next 12 months.”
Minister Tkatchenko said the Department of Foreign Affairs is the Government’s premier department that dictates policy agreements and assesses important areas of security, economics and many other relevant sectors.
“It’s also about having a guide or template for our ambassadors, high commissioners and foreign missions to understand their role and how they work for the benefit of our government and country.”
He said the preliminary work of the committee had already begun with the terms of reference being finalized for an official submission to be presented to The National Executive Council.
EPG Chairman Sir Charles Lepani thanked the government for having the confidence and trust in them to take on the task of reviewing the country’s foreign policy white paper.