DALCY LULUA
Retired Australian High Commissioner His Excellency John Feakes paid his final courtesy call to Foreign Affairs Minister
Hon, Justin Tkatchenko last Friday whilst also visiting Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph for a lunch before his departure this week.
Minister Tkatchenko acknowledged High Commissioner Feakes for his strong support in the bilateral relations between the two countries.
“We look forward to working with you in whatever capacity outside in your new life as a private citizen.”
Your honesty and straight-forwardness has always been good and you have supported us in a place where our relationship has grown from strength to strength.”
Feakes said it was a joy working in PNG.
He said PNG and Australia have always had stronger relations and this must be continued through the governments of both nations.
“It’s been absolute joy being here, you being frank with us makes life straight forward for us,” he told Minister Tkatchenko.
Minister Billy thanked High Commissioner Feakes for having a farewell lunch with him.
” Sad to see him go; a very committed, hard working high commissioner and a good friend of PNG.”
Minister Billy also acknowledged Mr Feakes for the leadership role he played that enables the PNG Defense to achieve many things.
“In Defense under his leadership, we were able to achieve many things; chief amongst them the K1.3 billion Lombrum Naval Base Redevelopment,” Hon. Billy said.
“I thank him for his leadership and contribution to PNG’s development aspirations during his tenure; and wish him welll in his next journey,” he added.
High Commissioner Feakes had retired due to personal reasons. He had served as High Commissioner since September 2023. He previously served as Deputy High Commissioner from 2008 to 2012. He was a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and also served as High Commissioner to Fiji.