The bilateral talks between the Prime Min­ister Voreqe Bainimarama and his delegation with Papua New Guinea counterpart Peter O’Neill and his delegation were fruitful.

Speaking to the Fiji Sun soon after the talks Yogesh Karan, the Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office, said they talked on a wide range of topics.

Mr O’Neill thanked Fiji for offering PNG students places in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.

In response, Mr Bainimarama said they would continue to welcome students from there.

On Defence and Business:

Mr Karan said the two leaders also talked on defence co-operation and labour mobility.

PM O’Neill offered his support to the Fijian business people in his country.

He also thanked Mr Bainimarama for allow­ing PNG business people operate in Fiji.

Two notable PNG investments in the coun­try are the Grand Pacific Hotel, the venue of the bilateral talks yesterday, and The Pearl Resort at Pacific Harbour.

Past reports have noted that GPH is owned by the nation’s Superannuation Fund, or NASFUND, Fiji National Provident Fund and Lamana Developments of Papua New Guin­ea. NASFUND has a 50 per cent stake while FNPF and Lamana have 25 per cent stakes each. The Pearl is owned by Mineral Resourc­es Development Company which took over operations in 2012 and developed the resort.

Mr Karan said they also talked on trade and how the two countries could benefit from their exports.

When asked if the two leaders talked about the coming general elections Mr Karan said they did not.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa