Image: Russian Navy Training ship, Perekop Prepares for Long Cruise (defpost.com)
In a pre-APEC gesture of friendship, the government of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea will welcome the visit of some 200 young people from the Russian Federation, a press release issued today (May 15) confirms.
At a meeting of APEC officials from a variety of member economies this month (May, 2018), Papua New Guinea arranged to host a crew of cadets learning about naval traditions and practices.
The cadets are on a training tour through four oceans which includes visits to a range of foreign ports. They are scheduled to arrive in Port Moresby on May 16 and will depart on May 19. While in Papua New Guinea they will learn about local culture and customs.
According to the statement, cadets are travelling aboard the Perekop training ship, a 138-metre naval vessel commissioned more than 40 years ago. It carries only basic armaments.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Papua New Guinea, Rimbink Pato said the visit is the first of a range of visits by APEC members in the lead up to the APEC Leader’s Summit in November.
“We welcome youth from all APEC member economies prior to and during this great event for our country,” Minister Pato said. “This is not a formal port visit by the Russian Navy but rather a goodwill visit for young people, arranged at a convenient time with so many able to come to our country at once,” He said.
“Naturally, we have informed the Australians, our major security partner and close neighbour, and advised them of the nature of the visit. “As is usual with our friends and ally, the Australians welcome our attempts to draw attention to the forthcoming APEC summit, and they support our efforts to cultivate friendship and understanding among the youth of APEC nations.”
Source: Press Release
