More aid to PNG

seems assured

Papua New Guinea will approach Japan later this year for increased foreign aid, and, after Mr Nakasone’s flying visit to Port Moresby, is likely to find a ready ear.

While no formal announce ments were made Mr Nakasone is understood to have indicated strong support, and willingness to assist.

Prime among the projects discussed was the building of the long-planned trans-island highway linking Port Moresby and Lae, an engineering task of herculean proportions. Reports from PNG say the Japanese government aid agency is now virtually committed to funding a feasibility study on the road.

According to Mr Nakasone Japan does not propose to grant-aid the construction but rather to offer PNG soft yen loans to handle the major out lay involved. ”It is my hope that this highway linking your capital and your second-largest city will not only contribute to PNG’s social and economic deve lopment, but will also be a bridge between the people of Japan and the people of PNG.

They are wantoks,” he said. ’’Let us therefore join hands as we move together toward the coming era of Pacific co operation. ”

Other projects discussed be tween Mr Nakasone and PNG prime minister, Michael So mare, his ministers and officials, included technical assistance in rice estate development, im provement of communications services (mainly radio stations) and upgrading of the Yonki hydro-electric power scheme. ”PNG has gained a lot from the Japanese prime minister’s visit,” said Mr Somare. ’The visit will foster relations with Japan and that pleases me.” ”PNG has many of the re sources that Japan needs,” said Mr Somare. ’’Japan has the skills, industrial capacity and technology that PNG needs.”

Mr Somare accepted Mr Nakasone’s invitation to make a state visit to Japan in July. ”We want to see our present pre dominantly trade-based re lationship expanded to a partnership based on greater economic and technical cooperation,” he said.

ABOVE: In Fiji, Mr Nakasone makes his speech beside his interpreter, flanked by a Fijian warrior in traditional garb, with his ceremonial club on his shoulder.

TOP: Hung about with fragrant flower lei and carrying a bouquet, Mr Nakasone walks to his limousine after his arrival at Port Moresby’s airport. BOTTOM: Mr and Mrs Nakasone in the new PNG Parliament House discuss the hour-glass with the Speaker, Mr Timothy Bonga.