Visit to Papua New Guinea

Iwill visit Papua New Guinea for a three-day visit, from 20 to 22 March, to bebriefed on Australia's humanitarian response to the devastating earthquakeswhich have struck the Highlands region since 26 February.

Onbehalf of the Australian Government I extend my deepest sympathies to allPapuan New Guineans. Many people lost their lives and many are still in greatneed of assistance as the nation comprehends the sheer scale of thedevastation.

Australiacontinues to make a significant contribution to the PNG government's reliefefforts.

Australia'srelationship with Papua New Guinea, our nearest neighbour, is one of our mostwide-ranging and important. Our geographic proximity, unique historicalconnections and enduring people-to-people links form the bedrock of thisvaluable strategic and economic partnership.

InPort Moresby I will open three new buildings at the University of PNG andInstitute of Public Administration, home to the Pacific Leadership andGovernance Precinct. The Precinct is a joint initiative of the Papua New Guineaand Australian Governments to enhance the skills of PNG government officials.

Iwill meet with my counterpart, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the HonRimbink Pato, along with other ministers, to address a range of subjectsincluding immigration and health.

InKavieng in New Ireland I will launch a project to improve access to water andsanitation, which will be delivered through the Papua New Guinea AustraliaPartnership's Incentive Fund program. The project will benefit up to 12,000people in nine communities.

Whilein New Ireland I will meet with business and industry representatives todiscuss Australia's mining, agriculture and tourism investments in theprovince, and visit a hatchery and training facility which, with Australia'ssupport through ACIAR, is helping develop the marine aquaculture industry inPNG.