RECEPTION-CUM-DINNER
1. As a part of Republic Day celebrations, a Reception was held on a grand scale at Airways Hotel in Port Moresby on Friday, 25 January 2019. Minister for Foreign Affairs of Papua New Guinea (PNG) Rimbink Pato was the Chief Guest. Around 200 persons attended the Reception, who included Minister for Communications, IT & Energy Sam Basil; Minister for Defence Solan Mirisim; Governor of National Capital District Powes Parkop; Governor of West New Britain Sasindran Muthuvel, who is also the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardee; Governor of Central Province Robert Agarobe; Member of Parliament Francis Maneke, West New Britain Province; Member of Parliament Koi Trappe, Western Highlands Province; Foreign Secretary Barbara Age; Commander of Papua New Guinea Defence Force Major General Gilbert Torope; and Chief of Immigration Department Solomon Kantha; important government officials; members of Diplomatic Corps; representatives of industries and businesses; academia; and members of Indian Community.
2. The programme included: arrival of guests and mingle with soft drinks and Indian snacks; playing of National Anthems of both the countries; welcome speech by High Commissioner Vijai Kumar; followed by an address by PNG Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato; Indian cultural programme; and a sumptuous dinner of Indian cuisine.
3. Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato, addressing the gathering, praised India’s leading role in the international arena and expressed PNG’s support for India’s membership in the United Nations Security Council. He said that, in recent years, PNG has been steadily building up relationship with India and wants to accelerate that process. He highly appreciated India’s developmental support to PNG and urged to intensify Indian trade and commercial activities in PNG. He sought India’s expertise in bringing the benefits of Solar Electrification and Tele-Medicine in PNG. He was all praise for thriving Indian Cinema, Literacy and popular Cuisine. Praising the contributions of local Indian Community, he called for wider and deeper involvement of Indians in PNG’s development.
4. Earlier, in his welcome address, High Commissioner Vijai Kumar highlighted bilateral ties, including: (1) recent signing of an Agreement between the EXIM Bank of India and the Treasury Department of PNG for a US $100 million Line of Credit to PNG for two road projects; (2) completion of the work on the India-PNG Centre of Excellence in Information Technology, due to be launched in February 2019; (3) India’s offer of support to PNG in its capacity building efforts, especially in Taxation and Customs fields; (4) India’s offer to conduct Feasibility Study, at its own cost, for Solar Electrification in PNG; (5) India’s readiness to supply ARV drugs worth close to US $1 million as humanitarian grant for HIV/AIDS patients in PNG; (6) India’s announcement to extend a grant worth US $1 million to PNG towards Earthquake Relief in affected areas; and (7) Soon expected arrival of an Indian Professor to take charge of the ICCR Chair of Indian Studies at the PNG University of Technology in Lae. The High Commissioner informed the gathering about the positive economic developments in India, especially the achievements of the Government of India during the last four years. He underlined India’s contributions to world peace and security, and emphasized that India firmly stands with the world community to mitigate terrorism from the globe to preserve peace and wellbeing of our respective peoples. He urged the PNG Government to fully utilize the ITEC slots. The High Commissioner offered support to promote Yoga and Traditional Indian Healthcare Systems, including Ayurveda in PNG. He felicitated the members of Indian community in Papua New Guinea for their significant contributions in Papua New Guinea’s economy and society. The High Commissioner requested the PNG Government to ease its visa process in order to facilitate entry of Indians and Indian investment in PNG.
FLAG HOISTING
5. A Flag Hoisting Ceremony was held in the morning on Saturday, 26 January 2019, at India House. Around 150 persons, who included members of Indian community and friends of India, including Governor of West New Britain Sasindran Muthuvel, participated in the celebrations.
6. The event started with the unfurling of the Indian Tricolour, following by the National Anthem. Then, Hon’ble President of India’s address to the Nation was screened.
7. The High Commissioner, in his brief remarks, among others, gave an update on India-PNG bilateral relations; enumerated positive developments and achievements in India; and highlighted various schemes available in India for the benefits of NRIs and PIOs. He praised the Indian Community for their contributions in economy and society in PNG and assured of full support for their welfare. The High Commissioner also announced commencement of Yoga Classes at India House and urged the members of the Indian Community to join in the programme. An announcement of start of Hindi and Sanskrit Classes at the High Commission of India was also made.
8. Governor of West New Britain Sasindran Muthvel, in his brief remarks, congratulated India on its 70th Republic Day and appreciated India’s success in several areas and said there is a lot to learn for PNG from India. He wanted the Solar Feasibility Study to be undertaken in his Province, so that villages in the Province could be electrified. He spoke about challenges on the medical front in remote areas in PNG.
9. A cultural programme was also held, which included patriotic songs, recital of poem and dance performances by children, youth and elders from the Indian Community.
10. To conclude, Indian refreshments were served.
11. Both the programmes were well attended and appreciated by the participants.
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28 January 2019
