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The federal government will proceed to work intently with Papua New Guinea after the discharge of an Australian professor held hostage was secured, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says.
The PNG authorities paid a small ransom to armed criminals who took New Zealand nationwide and Australian professor Bryce Barker hostage, alongside three others.
Mr Albanese mentioned it was essential folks heeded journey warnings earlier than enterprise any journeys when requested if there was a heightened threat of kidnappings given cash was paid and Australia had a no-ransom coverage.
“We encourage folks to observe journey advisories,” he instructed reporters in Canberra on Tuesday.
“A few of these advisories, in fact, will point out differentiated threat relying upon the place individuals are.”
He additionally thanked PNG’s Prime Minister James Marape for his function in securing the discharge of the 4 hostages.
“To not simply you personally for the function you performed however to your personnel who performed a really constructive function,” Mr Albanese mentioned.
“We welcome the discharge of all those that had been taken hostage.”
Prof Barker arrived again in Queensland on Monday.
Mr Albanese added that he was happy with the event of the bilateral relationship as Canberra and Port Moresby continued to barter a brand new safety settlement, set to be finalized in April.
“I sit up for progress on the safety settlement,” he mentioned.
– AAP
