PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill flies to Israel tomorrow on an official visit at the invitation of his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu.
The two-day visit will focus on enhancing the existing relationship between the two countries, with focus on using Israeli expertise in agriculture, defence, security and communications technology.
The government wants to draw on Israel’s experience and expertise in its plan to introduce compulsory national service for PNG’s young men and women.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s office said O’Neill would convey to Netanyahu PNG plans to open a diplomatic mission in Israel to enhance this relationship and exchange programmes being planned.
“This visit to the Holy Land will be beneficial to the nation,” he said.
“Israel’s expertise in agriculture is unrivalled. We hope to utilise their experience and expertise to unlock the huge potential the agriculture sector has in our country.
“Israel expertise is already being sought for projects in Hela and 9-Mile in the National Capital District. “We have a growing young population and the government plans to introduce a compulsory national service for our young people.
“We need to instil a culture of discipline and security in the minds of young people, and Israel offers a great deal of expertise in our plan to develop this programme.”
Pacific Flash/The National