The Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister and senator, Penny Wong is in PNG Capital, Port Moresby to renew and strengthen  PNG-Australia bilateral relations after the formation of the new government in the country.

She and her delegation will leave PNG shores on Wednesday to Timor-Leste to spread the same intention.

Meeting with her in his Port Moresby Office, Prime Minister, James Marape today (Monday) welcomed Minister, Penny Wong to the country.

PM Marape was accompanied by the Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru during the meeting.

“Welcome to Port Moresby and I look forward to seeing you on many more visits in the future,” PM Marape told Minister Wong.

He said that whether it was a Labour or Liberal Government, the bilateral relationship between Australia and PNG was always at an excellent level.

PM Marape said after 46 years, it was now time to diversify the relations to a more business and commercial one.

He called for more trade and investment relations to make PNG less dependent on Australia and eventually phase out the Australian Aid.

PM Marape said a secure and prosperous PNG would enable a safer region and a prosperous Australian economy.

An increased people-to-people relations, he said, at all levels is vital and he looked forward to an official visit to PNG by PM Albanese before the end of this year.

Minister Wong, in response, recognized the Marape Government’s strong desire to strengthen PNG’s economy.

She affirmed Australian Government support in assisting through its various development assistance programmes.