Papua New Guinea will be looking to learn as much is it can from for Egypt in the areas tourism and the impacts of low oil prices after a courtesy visit from Egypt’s Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Hanafy Mahmoud el-Laithy.
Peter O’Neill CMG MP, received a courtesy call yesterday from the Egyptian Ambassador.
In their meeting, the Prime Minister and Ambassador discussed similar challenges facing the two nations and expressed a desire to work through international forums on issues of common interest.
“Papua New Guinean are separated by several thousands kilometres but we share common concerns in international forums such as the United Nations and World Trade Organisation,” Prime Minister O’Neill said following the meeting.
“While Egypt is a large nation with a population of around 87 million people, there are similarities between our economies in the challenges we face in the global economy.
“Egypt is a non-OECD energy producer and is experiencing the affects of the current low energy prices, and I was interested to hear the Ambassador’s perspective on global conditions.”
Prime Minister O’Neill said both countries also have significant interest in international tourism that has global marketing appeal.
Egypt has long been a tourist destination despite its political and economic turbulence. It has a diverse tourism sector that ranges from the rich, historical, cultural attractions that are well known to modern tourist activities such as diving in the Red Sea and adventure travel.
“Papua New Guinea can learn from Egypt’s success and challenges in the tourism and travel sector.
“Our delegations from Papua New Guinea and Egypt will continue to engage in international forums.”
Prior to joining Egypt’s Foreign Ministry in 1983, Ambassador Hassan El-Laithy practised medicine in areas that were affected by serious health and poverty concerns.
