May 8, 2025
Japan Ministry of Defense
From May 4 to 6, 2025, Parliamentary Vice Minister Yozo Kaneko visited the Independent State of Papua New Guinea (PNG). The summary of his visit is as follows:
1. Meetings with PNG defence officials
(1)During his visit, PVM Kaneko conducted several meetings with high ranking officials, including a courtesy call to Minister of Defence, Hon. Billy Joseph, as well as meeting with the Commander of Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Rear Admiral Philip Polewara.
(2)PVM Kaneko extended his congratulations for the 50th anniversary of PNG’s independence as well as the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, to which both Minister Joseph and Commander Polewara stated their appreciations.
(3)PVM Kaneko welcomed that various defense cooperation and exchanges are advancing between Japan and PNG as partners that share fundamental values such as freedom, democracy and the rule of law.
(4)PVM Kaneko also exchanged opinions on future defense cooperation and exchanges between the two countries with the PNG side, and both sides affirmed their commitment to further advancing Japan-PNG defense cooperation.
2. Visit to PNG military band
PVM Kaneko visited the PNG military band, which the MOD/SDF has engaged through its capacity building program since 2015, and viewed their performance of the Japanese song “furusato”.
3. Visit to the Bomana War Cemetery
PVM Kaneko visited the Bomana War Cemetery in Port Moresby, and offered a wreath and offered a silent prayer to the monument.
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