MELBOURNE, July N11 – Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is scheduled to visit Papua New Guinea from July 14 to 15.
His PNG counterpart Peter O’Neill, who announced the visit on Thursday, noted in a statement that Rudd had recently replaced Julia Gillard as prime minister.
“His visit to our country reinforces the very strong relationship PNG enjoys with Australia,” the statement said.
The Australian Associated Press (AAP) said speculation started last week that Rudd would visit PNG after reclaiming the top job but Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade officials have remained mum about definite dates.
During his visit, Rudd will hold discussions with O’Neill focusing on the Australian Aid Programme, trade and investment.
Rudd is also expected to meet other key PNG ministers.
Rudd’s trip to PNG comes within a fortnight of his talks with other regional leaders including Timor Leste President Taur Matan Ruak and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
“There are three big questions on the agenda with PNG on a bilateral level,”
Rudd told the National Press Club in Canberra on Thursday.
He plans to get a progress report on a major PNG liquefied natural gas project in which Australia has significant equity, and wants to help PNG combat high rates of street crime.
Health care and hospital services will also be a focus during the visit.
-BERNAMA
