Press Release

Visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration of Papua New Guinea to India

24/07/2009

H.E. Mr. Samuel T. Abal, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration of Papua New Guinea is currently on a visit to India from July 23 - 28, 2009. This is the first ever ministerial visit to India from Papua New Guinea.

On the first day of his official engagement, H.E. Mr. Abal met Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Jitendra Prasada and discussed bilateral issues relating to cooperation in oil and gas sector.

Shri Shashi Tharoor, Minister of State for External Affairs held extensive discussions with the visiting dignitary on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest, and hosted a lunch in honour of H.E. Mr. Abal.

During the discussions, the PNG Minister expressed his government’s decision to set up Community Colleges all across Papua New Guinea with the help of Indian Council for Research and Development in Community Education (ICRDCE) to provide vocational training and formal education to overcome acute shortage of skilled manpower. MoS (ST) agreed to extend India’s assistance to these and other mutually agreed proposals. It was also agreed that assistance would be provided to Papua New Guinea to develop entrepreneurial skills in the country to set up small and medium scale businesses.

During the visit, the PNG Minister will be visiting Community Colleges in and around Chennai.

Before his departure, he is also scheduled to meet EAM and Minister of Commerce and Industry and address the business community organized by FICCI.

New Delhi
July 24, 2009