PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea — A team from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command visited Papua New Guinea to further the development of joint infrastructure, April 30 - May 2. This scoping mission is in support of the recently signed and ratified Defense Cooperation Agreement.

Joint infrastructure will expedite disaster response, enhance security cooperation, and further strengthen our bilateral relationship. This will improve the capability of the PNG Defence Force, increasing stability and security in the region.

The U.S. team members worked in coordination with PNG partners, U.S. Embassy, and commercial industrial partners to understand logistical capabilities and the requirements of PNG and continue refinement of projects to support shared security and defense objectives.

This visit continues work from an October visit to Lae Port, Nadzab Tomodachi (Lae) Airport, and Igam Barracks, where USINDOPACOM J44-Joint Posture Management Office and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began surveys to identify future requirements. October also marked the visit of Pacific Partnership to PNG where U.S. military medical staff worked with the PNGDF to provide training and medical care to PNG citizens.

Findings from this scoping mission will be used to create a proposal on future infrastructure programs that will honor agreements and bolster the U.S. relationship with PNG.