Head of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Brigadier Gilbert Toropo, is in New Zealand on his first official visit to the country, as Commander of the PNGDF. He arrived in New Zealand on Sunday, 1 March.
An official welcome ceremony was held this morning for Brigadier Toropo, at the National War Memorial in Wellington.
He is being hosted by New Zealand’s Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Tim Keating.
Brigadier Toropo will visit camps and bases, including the Training and Doctrine Group at Waiouru, and Devonport Naval Base.
The Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) said that PNG forces were valued partners of New Zealand; stating that there is a good working partnership between the two countries. This includes exchanges between the two forces and training programmes, under the Mutual Assistance Programme (MAP).
There are a total of 12 countries in the Asia-Pacific region who work with New Zealand, through MAP. The programme encourages friendly and co-operative bilateral relationships between New Zealand and its neighbours; contributing to a securing and stable environment in the South Pacific.
The New Zealand Herald reports that Brigadier Toropo will also hold talks with the Minister for Defence, Gerry Brownlee and visit the NZDF headquarters.
