By GINNAH MINI
THE Government of Türkiye has donated approximately K90,000 (US$20,000) to support the Papua New Guinea Government’s efforts to provide relief assistance to communities affected by El Niño-induced disasters.
Presenting the cheque to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Her Excellency BilginÖzkan, said the contribution demonstrated Türkiye’s care and solidarity with Papua New Guineans affected by the disasters.
Ms. Ozkan noted that climate change is a global problem and its impact on countries livelihood and development goals are severe.
“A problem of this magnitude requires global attention. Therefore, Türkiye is leading international collaboration in tackling climate change. Along with Australia, my country is hosting the COP31 next week,” Ms. Ozkan said.
She explained that their goal was to take care of climate change discussions and place it on a more deliverable basis, adding that Türkiye cares about small Pacific Islands as much as big global issues.
“We want to see real progress towards climate-resilient communities around the world,” Ms. Ozkan said.
The Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Elias Wohengu, received the cheque and said that the fund presented will be sent to the Prime Minister’s Department which will be deposited into the government’s pooling account, held by the National Banking Corporation.
Mr. Wohengu extended PNG’s appreciation for the support, noting that Türkiye was the first country to make contribution to the PNG’s El Nino relief assistance.
“We have other development partners who have made some contributions, but its more program and project tied to water
tanks, food safety, food security and public health programs,” he said.
He added that the Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change Hon John Kaupa along with some delegation will be attending the COP31 meeting and are looking forward to it.
Secretary Wohengu concluded that PNG is looking forward to closely collaborating with the Turkiye Embassy in PNG.