Foreign Minister vows to improve trade policies

The outgoing Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato  and newly appointed Foreign Minister Soroi Eo’e. 

By JOE GURINA

THE newly appointed Foreign Minister Soroi Eo’e under the Marape-Steven government wants to improve trade policies to entice better trade links with partners outside of PNG.

He said during a recent handover - takeover ceremony that he will need more advice from the outgoing Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato who held the position for the last seven years.  

Eo’e also highlighted the important aspect of making a difference to achieve optimal results for the country. 

He challenged public servants serving in the Foreign Affairs and Trade department that they are the pillars in influencing changes.

“Our role is very important and this Ministry’s role is very important. It is how we can bring those changes, those benefits, those connections, we have to bear upon our own people in the way we are doing things and the way our government is looking at doing things, the way new policies are been highlighted through the political leadership.”

He said with the new look direction of the Marape-Steven policy ‘Take back PNG’ was a challenge that needs cooperation from every political heads, public servants, private sector and the general population of the country to work together to drive the ambitions to reality.

“The war cry is ‘Take back PNG’. How do we take back PNG? More so the department that we are now heading, I think it is important that we need to understand our unique contribution as individuals or as collective bodies we are doing to bring those changes in the lives of our people,’’ Eoe said.

“Sometimes we don’t see the way that we can influence the lives of our people out there because we see our role as connecting the world. I want to refocus our attention that whatever we connect, we must make a difference in the country, adding, “that was the challenge we have.’’

He said Rimbink Pato was the best Foreign Ministers the country has produced and added he would seek advice from him when he feels need be.

Pato said he will continue to support the current Minister who has filled his shoes with advices of running the department and the ministry.

Pato, who was first elected to parliament in 2012, is a friend of many foreign ministers and leaders around the world, and is renowned for his ability to negotiate strongly for his country while maintain good relationships with those he is meeting.

He is the longest serving Foreign Minister in the history of Papua New Guinea and an experienced Minister in the world under the portfolio he served over the last seven years.

Pato wished Eo’e the best in taking over the reign and added, “my successor is a good friend of mine and I respect his upright character and his wish to do the very best for our country.”