Japanese Aid For Png

A PNG delegation led by Chief Minister Michael Somare attended a meeting between Japanese Cabinet ministers and Australian ministers and officials in Canberra in October to discuss Australian and PNG trade relations.

Mr Somare said before the meeting that PNG had been invited to attend by Australia because Australia realised the territory had to establish its own relations with Japan after sdf-govern ment next year.

Japanese investment was becoming “increasingly important” for PNG, although this didn’t mean that the PNGs relationship with Australia would change.

During the conference the Japanese ministers expressed willingness to offer PNG aid if Australia approved, but details were not discussed. Aus tralia approved in principle and the PNG delegation considered that Aus tralia’s approval was, for them, the most important decision taken at the conference, as it clears the way for more detailed talks with the Japan ese next year.

Mr Somare said on his return to Port Moresby that the Japanese had offered aid “equal to that provided by Australia”, but this was not con firmed by the Japanese,