The Foreign Minister has shared Papua New Guinea’s perspective on a range of international issues at the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly this week.
Issues discussed by the Foreign Minister, Hon Rimbink Pato PM, include the Fiji elections, the recent SIDS Conference, United Nations governance and current global tensions.
In presenting the national perspective, the Foreign Minister applauded the people of Fiji for their recent peaceful elections and the country’s return to parliamentary democracy.
“Papua New Guinea welcomes Fiji’s reintegration into the Commonwealth and the Pacific Island Forum,” Foreign Minister Pato said.
“We have a strong friend and partner in Fiji, and together we will continue to enhance our relationship for stronger economic and cultural relations.”
The Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Meeting, held in Samoa in September, was also a significant subject of discussion among a number of UN Member States.
Minister Pato highlighted Papua New Guinea’s call for more tangible action on the SAMOA Pathway to address climate change and other sustainable development priorities of SIDS.
“Enhanced measures are needed targeting the negative impacts of climate change such as sea level rise, coastal erosion and the use of the ocean sustainably.
“This includes our call for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Parties to reach a global climate agreement in Paris in 2015 to tackle climate change.
“As part of our efforts in the Pacific, I also informed the General Assembly that the O’Neill/Dion Government has launched the Pacific Development Assistance Program to assist Pacific Island Countries with their development challenges.”
The Foreign Minister further discussed the sometimes-contentious issue of the role of the United Nations in global governance, offering Papua New Guinea’s ongoing support though noting the need for change in some aspects of UN activities.
“Papua New Guinea has again called for United Nations reforms, especially the composition of the Security Council in order to make it more representative and reflective of today’s geopolitical reality.
“On international peace and security, Papua New Guinea offers our continued support to the UN in its efforts to maintain global peace and security.
“Our country continues to maintain our contribution to UN Peacekeeping Missions in Sudan and South Sudan. We stand ready to increase our personnel in UN Peacekeeping Missions in future as our capacity grows.”
Minister Pato further expressed Papua New Guinea’s concern over increasing tensions and conflict around the world, especially those involving non-State actors.
“Papua New Guinea condemns terrorism in all its forms and fully supports the UN Security Council resolution passed in relation to terrorist activities, particularly in the Middle East.”
In concluding, Foreign Minister Pato commended the UN for its work in assisting Member States in addressing global development issues, including peace and security, and recommitted Papua New Guinea to the UN Charter.
PNG PM’S OFFICE