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| David Feeney |
The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator David Feeney, today travelled to Papua New Guinea (PNG) to visit approximately 300 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel participating in Exercise OLGETA WARRIOR.
Senator Feeney will also meet with new PNG Government Ministers and agency heads, including the Hon. Belden Namah, Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Guma Wau, Minister for Defence, the Hon. Don Poyle, Treasurer and Hon. Sam Basil, Minister for National Planning.
“Australia’s close relationship with PNG is reflected in the cooperation between our two countries on a range of defence matters, from strategic planning to joint exercises,” Senator Feeney said.
Exercise OLGETA WARRIOR has been running since 2009. It is the primary bilateral exercise between the ADF and PNG Defence Force (PNGDF).
As part of the Exercise, approximately 300 ADF personnel travel to PNG to take part in infantry, logistics, engineering and aviation training.
“Exercise OLGETA WARRIOR is a great opportunity for our defence forces to exchange skills and increase interoperability.
“The Exercise also contributes to the PNGDF’s strong performance alongside the ADF in the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands.
“I am looking forward to visiting the ADF personnel who are participating in this Exercise, and also meeting with PNGDF personnel,” Senator Feeney said.
Senator Feeney will also meet new PNG Government Ministers and agency heads.
“In my meetings with the new Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Belden Namah and Minister for Defence, the Hon Guma Wau, I will reaffirm Australia’s commitment to helping further develop a professional and sustainable PNGDF,” Senator Feeney said.
“Australia and PNG will continue to work together to strengthen our enduring Defence relationship,” Senator Feeney said.