The deputy prime minister and other senior officials are heading to Papua New Guinea as the nation tries to cement its relationships in the region against expanding Chinese influence.
Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong are among the cabinet ministers travelling to Port Moresby for the Australia-Papua New Guinea ministerial forum.
The trip coincides with Beijing’s second in command Premier Li Qiang ending his four-day visit of Australia on Tuesday.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong.Credit: Getty Images
Senator Wong earlier described the visit as a “very substantial and serious” ministerial delegation that showed Australia was committed to engaging the Pacific region on climate change and broader security issues.
The talks in PNG will be co-chaired by Senator Wong and her PNG counterpart Justin Tkatchenko.
Pacific Minister Pat Conroy, Agriculture Minister Murray Watt and Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil will also attend.
The delegation will also meet representatives from businesses.
AAP
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