In a media statement sent out on the 12th of this month, Acting Secretary for Department of Foreign Affairs, William Dihm, said Overseas Missions and posts have particular financial requirements and constrains which challenge the basic operations of posts, and that operating expenditure for overseas missions had been cut by K15 million.
“This is a large amount. We are feeling the pain. We well understand and sympathise.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, when answering a question on the issue, responded saying that most overseas missions were overspending.
The Prime Minister said cost cutting was the proper thing to do because most Overseas Missions were living beyond their means. He also said that no Mission would be closed, and this was also a concern for the acting secretary.
Acting Secretary Dihm said that the cost saving measures were to be implemented in such a manner, that it would not affect their core business and effectiveness abroad.
