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Aust'n federal police to partner PNG police in preparation for APEC 2018

Xinhua, January 31, 2017 Adjust font size:

Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers will partner with their Papua New Guinea (PNG) counterparts to prepare for the 2018 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum under a new deal announced by the Australian government on Tuesday.

Justice Minister Michael Keenan said the Turnbull government had extended the Papua New Guinea-Australia Policing Partnership by a further 18 months until the end of December 2018, ensuring that up to 73 members of the AFP will be in the nation to help plan and prepare for the 2018 APEC meetings.

Keenan said having AFP officers involved in the APEC planning would ensure PNG police are well equipped to deal with any potential issues that may arise during the forum.

"This is the first time PNG has hosted APEC. The forum will provide significant opportunities for the nation, with around 10,000 delegates including world leaders, dignitaries and media attending," Keenan said in a statement on Tuesday.

"In the lead up to APEC 2018, about 56 AFP personnel will have dedicated advisory roles specifically related to the planning of the forum."

"The increasingly transnational nature of crime, including illegal movement of drugs, weapons and people, highlights the importance of cooperation between Australia and PNG," Keenan said.

"The Australian and Papua New Guinea governments share an important and enduring relationship, which will be further strengthened through this investment in law enforcement."

The extension of the Papua New Guinea-Australia Policing Partnership is expected to cost 36 million U.S dollars. Endit