FOREIGN Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko described concerns raised by former prime minister and Member for Ialibu-Pangia, Hon. Peter O’Neill, on the PNG-China security deal as “deceitful”.
He urged Mr. O’Neill to consider the greater good of the nation before making “ridiculous” statements about PNG’s international partners and relations especially on security, for the sake of political objection and mileage.
Tkatchenko said O’Neill’s claim that the Government signed a supposed secret PNG-China security deal were “untrue and pathetic”.
“China offered to assist in the policing secto -in training and for the supply of equipment to our internal security sector,” he said.
“This offer is being carefully assessed, as we do not want to duplicate or compromise agreements already in place with our traditional security partners, Australia and the United States of America.
“For clarity, a policing proposal, like all other bilateral propositions in the various sectors for cooperation, are tested against existing arrangements for complimentary and value-adding within the Foreign Affairs Department.”
He said O’Neill’s comments on Tuesday contradicted his (O’Neill’s) own actions as Prime Minister in 2013, which sought military assistance from China.
“With all due respect, the Ialibu-Pangia MP must appreciate that PNG has a structured foreign policy with all of our international partners,” the minister said.
“This is the same position we held when Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare was our first Prime Minister in 1975, through to Mr O’Neill’s tenure until today.
“That policy is that PNG is a friend to all and enemy to none – and that is how we manage our foreign relations.
He said PNG’s bilateral partners bring something unique to the security table when it comes to territorial defence and combating international organised criminal networks.
“All countries in the region are working together to undermine the movement of arms and human trafficking,” Tkatchenko said.
“I do take offence at the pathetic attempted politicisation of our bilateral relationship with China, and any other countries for that matter.”
