Undersecretary Lazaro, Papua New Guinean Ambassador Palaso Explore Ways to Strengthen PH, PNG Bilateral Relations
PASAY CITY 24 June 2022 — Ambassador of Papua New Guinea Betty Palazo paid a courtesy call on Acting Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs, Hon. Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, to discuss ways to strengthen Philippines-Papua New Guinea bilateral relations on 24 June 2022.
The two sides agreed to complete negotiations on the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Policy Consultations, with a view to signing it as the highlight of the 47th anniversary commemoration of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The MOU aims to provide a platform and framework for cooperation on the areas of political, economic and people-to-people links.
Other matters discussed include PNG’s interest in reviving the 2013 labor agreement with the Philippines, as well as in finalizing a health cooperation agreement that will pave the way for implementing a medical referral program for PNG citizens who wish to avail of medical services in the Philippines. PNG also expressed interest in pursuing collaboration on the implementation of a training for trainers program under the South-South Cooperation framework.
The Philippines and PNG established diplomatic relations in 1975. The Philippines was one of the first countries to establish relations with the Independent State of Papua New Guinea after it was declared and recognized as a sovereign nation on 16 September 1975 after seventy years of Australian administration. END