President Pranab Mukherjee Visits Papua New Guinea Thursday April 28,2016

With a focus on developing strong relations with Pacific Island nations, President Pranab Mukherjee today arrived in the capital of Papua New Guinea(PNG), the first ever visit by an Indian head of state since India established diplomatic ties with the country in 1975.

President Mukherjee arrived in Port Moresby this morning Thursday April 28,2016 on the first leg of his two-nation visit and was given a warm welcome. He was received by Deputy Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Leo Dion.

The President inspected a guard of honour as a 21-gun salute was accorded to him.

The visit of the President is seen as a diplomatic move to counter China's growing influence in the Pacific Island nations.

The PNG, the largest Pacific Island nation, is looking towards India for enhanced cooperation in the health sector and capacity building in Information Technology, Joint Secretary (South) in External Affairs Ministry Jaideep Majumdar had said.

The country has large natural resources of oil, gas and minerals.

The discussions regarding cooperation in these areas will be taken forward after the conclusion of President's visit