The Papua New Guinea Defence Force has strengthened its defence cooperation with Australia through the inaugural Senior Enlisted Leader Symposium held in Canberra in February.
This symposium was held at the Australian Defence Force Academy bringing together over 200 senior enlisted leaders from 19 nations.
Force Sergeant Major of the PNGDF Chief Warrant Officer James Tarutia, represented the PNGDF at this symposium reinforcing the ongoing bilateral cooperation.
He was able to interact and speak with Australian Defence Force senior enlisted leaders, contributing to the symposium’s “People and Partnerships” theme and strengthening the trusted professional relationship between both forces.
CWO Tarutia remarked, the event demonstrated strong sense of partnership throughout the program as “A symbol of our unwavering friendships between the two nations.
The Australian Senior Enlisted Adviser to the Chief of the Defence Force, Warrant Officer Ken Robertson thanked the Papua New Guinea Defence Force for their participation, appreciating CWO Tarutia’s engagement and 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 the wider intent of strengthening partnerships across our region,” he said
The hosting of this year’s symposium has set a momentum for the event to be hosted biennially.
The participation of Papua New Guinea Defence force signifies the commitment to the defence ties enhancing professional military education and supporting a stable and secure Indo‑Pacific through continued collaboration under the DCP.
