Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has arrived in Papua New Guinea. He is here on a three-day bilateral visit.
Japan’s visit comes as a back-drop to being the first country for PNG to export its’ first LNG shipment to.
The Prime Minister was given a colourful Melanesian welcome.
The aircraft flying Shinzo Abe was unmistakably very Japanese. Painted in the simple, yet powerful colours of the Japanese flag.
Mr Shinzo Abe was accompanied by his wife and other delegates. He was given a red carpet welcome with a 21 gun salute. Receiving him was the Governor of NCD Powes Parkop, amidst ministers for foreign affairs and special events.
Defence Force Commander Gilbert Toropo led him to the podium before a guard of honour.
The last time a Japanese Prime minister came to Papua New Guinea was 28 years ago. The Prime Minister, on his two day visit, will also travel to Wewak tomorrow.
Wewak was the site of the largest Japanese air base in mainland New Guinea during World War II.
A media conference is also expected later tonight to further deliberate on reasons of the visit.
PNG’s ties with Japan are strengthened more so this year after the first shipment of LNG to Japan early last month.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ONGLxepi32Y%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
previous post