Australian Federal Police arrive

Australian Federal Police arrive in PNG. Photo EMTV

The first batch of 50 Australian Federal Police arrived today in Port Moresby.

A rousing welcome was hosted by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary for the 37; seven women and thirty men at the Jackson’s International Airport.

Dignitaries present to welcome the AFP and their Commissioner, Tony Negus, included Police Commissioner Tom Kulunga, Foreign Affairs Minister Rimbink Pato and Australian High Commissioner to PNG Deborah Stokes.

The PNG delegation admitted that the country had a large security loophole that needed urgent filling prior to the numerous international events on shore, including the 2014 Melanesian Arts Festival, 2015 Pacific Games and the 2018 APEC meeting.

Some of the major loopholes were unemployment and over population.

The AFP embraced this partnership. Commissioner Negus retraced fond memories of the 2008 signing of this partnership.

He said he was among the signatories that signed this 30 year partnership in 2008 to have the Australian Federal Police assist improve the RPNGC.

He said it is an honour to live the legacy along with his counterparts.

For PNG it’s yet another great achievement to improve its management skills and overall policing services.

For Australia it’s another funding commitment and bilateral ties strengthened, but this time, they vow to achieve effective and visible policing services.

The deal was sealed at the Boroko Police station during the signing of an MOU.

The AFP officers will not replace or takeover any roles but provide frontline advisory support to the PNG Police and improve key areas such as; public safety, station management and supervision, community liaison and engagement, traffic operations, criminal and sexual offences investigations.

EMTV