Australia Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop visited Kavieng as part of her official visit to Papua New Guinea.
Bishop visited a number of AusAid funded projects and also visited the Governor Julius Chan’s resident.
She was accompanied by her PNG Counterpart Minister Rimbink Pato and the Australian High Commission Bruce Davis.
Minister Julie Bishop and the entourage arrived to a welcome ceremony by Matali singing group at the Kavieng Airport. Students from Caterts Primary School were also at the airport to welcome her.
On this visit, the entourage visited Governor Julius Chan where the governor welcomed them to his home. Other visits include the National Fisheries Authority, the K 4.3 million Marine Hatchery Research Centre, at Nango Island and Nusa Resort.
At Nango Island, Minister Bishop and Minister Pato inspected the sea cucumber, the clam fish and the clown fish hatchery. They also had the opportunity to visit the Arts Craft Centre on the island, known to make local contemporary jewelry.
At the end of the visits, a funding under the Australian Government Incentive fund was signed for clean drinking water and sanitation for 9 wards in Kavieng.
Bishop met with the Australian Award Alumni based in Kavieng, and announced the next Australian funded education program for the primary and secondary school’s exchange program.
Her visit comes only a few days after Prime Minister Peter O’Neill announced his commitment to give the province autonomy.
