European Union Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Erika Hasznos, paid a courtesy visit to Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko on 4 December at the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Waigani.
Ambassador Hasznos, who took up her post in October, met the minister for the first time after earlier attempts were delayed due to tight schedules.
During the meeting, Minister Tkatchenko stressed the need for Papua New Guinea and the European Union to strengthen cooperation, noting that engagement-particularly at the government level-has been limited in recent years.
“We have renewed commitment under this Government to develop and strengthen relations, with the aim to work much closer with the EU in its programs and activities to ensure they are properly implemented and that the benefits for our people are maximized,” he said.
The minister acknowledged that EU grant aid, assistance and support had not been fully utilized in the past, describing much of it as “wasted over recent years.”
However, he said the Ambassador’s presence in-country now in full capacity opens the door for improved collaboration.
“Through regular engagements from here on, we will be able to seek the consult of the EU, especially in areas where it has global experience, and receive guidance as well-vice versa,” he said.
Mr Tkatchenko added that the newly approved Foreign Policy White Paper will provide a clear framework for strengthening PNG–EU relations and ensuring more consistent and constructive cooperation.
“We have wasted a lot of opportunities with the EU in areas of importance in our societies, and this will have to change,” he said.
The minister expressed confidence that the next three years of Ambassador Hasznos’s term will see a stronger partnership forged between the PNG Government and the European Union.