The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) hosted the Senior Enlisted Leader Symposium in Canberra, which was attended by the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) to strengthen their longstanding partnership.
The symposium was held in early February with more than 200 seniors enlisted from 19 countries, including PNG.
PNGDF’s participation underscored the commitment of both nations to deepening defence ties, enhancing professional military education, and supporting a stable and secure Indo-Pacific through continued collaboration under the Defence Cooperation Program (DCP).
Chief Warrant Officer James T. Tarutia, Force Sergeant Major of the PNGDF, attended as part of the ongoing bilateral cooperation focused on leadership development, regional security and interoperability.
He engaged with Australian Defence Force senior enlisted leaders; contributing to the symposium’s theme “People and Partnership” and strengthening the professional relationship between both forces.
CWO Tarutia described his experience and the partnership throughout the program as “A symbol of our unwavering friendship between our nations.”
The symposium was planned to be a biennial event, with strong engagement from this year creating momentum for the valuable forum to continue.
Australian Senior Enlisted Adviser to the Chief of the Defence Force Warrant Officer Ken Robertson, conveyed appreciation for PNGDF’s participation emphasizing the important contribution it made to deepening defence ties between PNG and Australia.
“It was a privilege to have the PNGDF represented at the ADF Senior Enlisted Leadership Symposium, and his (CWO Tarutia’s) engagement made a valuable contribution to the discussions and wider intent of strengthening partnerships across our region,” he said.