Australia, Papua New Guinea conclude maritime security exercise

Maritime forces of the Royal Australian Navy and Papua New Guinea have completed PARADISE bilateral exercise in Port Moresby.

The exercise involved participation of Papua New Guinea Defence Force Maritime Element’s (PNGDF- ME) Pacific Class Patrol Boat HMPNGS Seeadler and Landing Craft Heavy HMPNGS Salamaua together with RAN’s patrol boat HMAS Broome.

Commanding officer Broome, lieutenant commander (LCDR) Michael Kerrisk said: "During PARADISE, we exercised with Pacific Class Patrol Boat HMPNGS Seeadler and Landing Craft Heavy HMPNGS Salamaua.

"The interaction enhanced our seamanship, communication and mariner skills as well as our ability to work with our small boat colleagues.

"We were pleased to welcome PNGDF-ME personnel onboard Broome during the exercise."

Both the nations have been regional security partners and have a common interest mutual work to assure a safe, prosperous and peaceful region.

Australia has been offering PNGDF through Defence Cooperation Program to develop its potential to protect its borders, add to United Nations and multilateral peacekeeping missions, to maintain stability and cohesion, further cooperating in executing humanitarian and disaster relief missions.

Kerrisk said: "Australia and Papua New Guinea both face challenges protecting our Exclusive Economic Zones.

"By spending time together at sea, we are able to share tactics, which enhances our ability to work together in maritime surveillance. It also builds trust and respect between our nations."