Russian navy ship visits Port Moresby

PAPUA NEW GUINEA – A Russian warship will make a port visit to Papua New Guinea for the first time this week.

A spokesman for Russia’s Navy says the training ship Perekop will dock in Port Moresby on Wednesday and stay until Saturday.

It carries a crew of over 200 naval cadets, according to Russian state media.

The ship has just taken part in a biennial, multi-lateral naval exercise in Indonesia.

PNG’s Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato has described the Russian warship’s stop in Moresby as a goodwill visit related to his country hosting APEC meetings this year.

According to a media release from Pato, at a meeting of APEC officials from various member economies this month, PNG arranged to host a crew of cadets learning about naval traditions and practices.

The minister said while in PNG the cadets would learn about local culture and customs.

He said the visit was the first of a range of visits by APEC members in the lead up to the APEC Leader’s Summit in PNG this coming November.

“We welcome youth from all APEC member economies prior to and during this great event for our country,” Minister Pato said.

“This is not a formal port visit by the Russian Navy but rather a goodwill visit for young people, arranged at a convenient time with so many able to come to our country at once.”

“Naturally, we have informed the Australians, our major security partner and close neighbour, and advised them of the nature of the visit.” - RNZI