By Merilyn Diau-Katam -EMTV News, Port Moresby
Tonga Prime Minister, Samiuela Akiliri Poliva, accompanied by his Tongan delegation of CEO for Sport and Minister for Internal Affairs arrived in Port Moresby today.
They were welcomed by the Minister for Sport & Tourism, Justin Tkatchenko, at the Jacksons International Airport.
The objective of the trip is to strengthen economic ties with the Pacific Island nation and share knowledge from hosting the 2015 Pacific Games.
Minister For Sport & Tourism, Justin Tkatchenko, said the trip will see the Tongan delegation visiting sports facilities to familiarises themselves with what needs to be done in Tonga.
Prime Minster for Tonga, Samiuela Akilisi Pohiva, stressed that Tonga is challenged with financial and technical capacity to host the next Pacific Games.
Pohiva says they were waiting for a response from the PNG government and are now looking forward for the prospect of meeting and discussing what the next steps in hosting the Pacific Games.
Meanhwile, Sport Minister Justin Tkatchenko, says through this trip it’shows where Papua New Guinea is heading in the Pacific and with the upgrading of sports facilities; he invit’s Tongan athletes to train in PNG.
The Tongan delegation will meet with Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, tomorrow to discusses bilateral relations and negotiate whether PNG will assist in funding.
