PNG Defence Force Commander, Rear Admiral Philip Polewara, attended the annual Chiefs of Defence Conference in Hua Hin, Thailand, from August 26 to 28, where discussions centered on regional security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
During the conference, Rear Admiral Polewara met with United States Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, and Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command.
The meeting reaffirmed the strong defence cooperation between the United States and Papua New Guinea, particularly under the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) signed in 2023.
According to Rear Admiral Polewara, the discussions emphasized “maintaining peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region”.
The United States Indicated its willingness and commitment to support PNG under the Defence Cooperation Agreement to build and enhance PNGDF capabilities, recognizing the country as an emerging leader in the Pacific.
This year’s conference, co-hosted by USINDOPACOM and the Royal Thai Armed Forces, brought together senior military leaders from 29 nations under the theme, “Peace through Strength – Ensuring Security and Prosperity in the Indo-Pacific”.