MINISTER JOSEPH WELCOMES AUSTRALIA’S SUPPORT TO PROVIDE NEW ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS

The Defence cooperation between Papua New Guinea and
Australia has been elevated to another level with the
announcement of 12 new armoured personal carriers (Land
Cruisers) to be delivered in October this year to the Papua
New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF).These vehicles are
lighter version of the Bush Masters armoured vehicles used by
the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and will be used by the
PNGDF and Police for internal security operations.

The Australian Government will also fund the refurbishment of
the Air Hangar for the PNGDF Air Transport Wing (ATS) at the
Jacksons Airport to provide an operation space for both PNG
DF and the ADF.

This was announced by the Australian Deputy Prime Minister
and Minister for Defence Hon. Richard Marles alongside his
PNG counterpart, Minister for Defence, Hon.Dr.BillyJoseph
while attending the 30th PNG-Australia Ministerial Forum in
Port Moresby las week.

The announcement for provision of the armoured vehicles is
based on a request made to the Australian Government and
the ADF by Defence Minister Dr. Billy Joseph in his first
meeting with the Australian High Commissioner John Feakes
in February this year.

The Minister made this request following the lessons learnt from

the February 10 riots and looting in Port Moresby and the other urban centers around the
country.

Meanwhile both Ministers were impressed with the ongoing
activities under the bilateral defence cooperation program and
committed to work together in strengthening the close
underpins the two countries’ bilateral relations.

“On behalf of the Government, I would like to extend my
sincere appreciation to the Australian Deputy Prime Minister,
Hon. Richard Marles and the Government of Australia for the
strong partnership and their continued investments and
strategic interventions in addressing some of the capacity and
capability issues faced by the PNGDF with the recent
announcement of support,” Dr. Billy said.

Minister Joseph noted the provision of the armoured vehicles
a welcome news for PNG and will serve the need to use them
in specialized operations like counterterrorism and riots in the
country.

“In as far as “strategic trust” is concerned; Australia must trust
PNG to protect its domestic security interestand vice versafor
our mutual benefits. Therefore, building the capacity of
PNGDF to acquire critical skills and assets to perform its
constitutional duties is the way forward in our relationship,” Dr.
Billy said.

With the refurbishment of the ATS hangar by Australia,

Minister Joseph indicated that the PNGDF will then focus on
building the PNGDF Air Capabilities -procurement of both new
and used fixed and rotor wings from Airbus (French), which is
being discussed with support from the French government
representatives, and the final decision on arrangements for
procurement will be made in the next few months.