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Incoming British Defence and Military Adviser and head of British Defence Staff Oceania, Brigadier Nigel Best, as well as outgoing Brigadier Marcus Simson, met with the Chief of Defence Force and leading military officials as part of a recent visit to Papua New Guinea.
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According to the British government, the delegation discussed UK–Papua New Guinea defence cooperation, Britain’s renewed focus on the region, and their shared values.
Brigadiers Simson and Best are the highest ranking British military officials in Oceania.
The talks reflect increasing engagement between the two nations, marked by HMS Spey’s visit to Papua New Guinea, participation by the PNGDG in Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, and joint military exercises.
The UK Defence Academy also ran their Strategic Leadership Programme, part of the Ministry of Defence’s International Engagement Strategy, in Port Moresby last November.
The course focused on strategy, leadership, organisational culture, and challenge of change.
Throughout the visit, the brigadiers also visited Bomana Cemetery, on the fringes of Port Moresby, to honour the nearly 4,000 Commonwealth soldiers who perished.
“It has been a great privilege and honour to spend time in this incredible country and to support the amazing men and women of the PNG Defence Force through our important and growing Defence cooperation,” outgoing British Defence and Military Adviser and head of British Defence Staff Oceania Brigadier Simson said.
“We are fully committed to growing the depth and breadth of the relationship further and to building on the special relationship that our countries have together as realm states under HM The King.”
According to incoming Brigadier Nigel Best, more collaboration is on the cards for 2023.
“I’m delighted to have been in Port Moresby for discussions with our counterparts in the PNG Defence Forces,” Brigadier Best said.
“There’s an exciting year of engagements planned between the two forces, with efforts already underway on His Majesty King Charles’ coronation celebrations across the region.”
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