The Papua New Guinea Defense Force has hosted a brief visit of Commander in Chief of France Armed Forces in New Caledonia, Brigadier General Yann Latil to Port Moresby.
In a security meeting with PNGDF acting Commander, Commodore Philip Polewara and Defence minister, Dr. Billy Joseph, both countries discussed on humanitarian support and disaster relief exercises.
A similar meeting held with Foreign Affairs Minister, Justin Tkatchenko and Fisheries Minister, Jelta Wong expanded into measures of minimizing illegal fishing.
As this is the first visit, The French Commander in Chief toured few military barracks including a brief visit to the Air Transport Wing near Jackson’s airport and Basilisk Nasal Base at Konedobu.
His tourend included a stop over at the Bomana War Cemetery outside port Moresby where he laid a wreath to remember the fallen soldiers.
The Defence relationship between PNG and France reached new security height when both nations signed the Status of Forces Agreement (SoFA) in 2023.