The recently reinstated Minster for Foreign Affairs, Justin Tkatchenko, says his first task back in office is to regain the international community’s confidence in Papua New Guinea (PNG) through certain priorities that he has put forth. Minister Tkatchenko, who was reinstated last week Friday, outlined in a statement a priority list for the department - an immediate work-plan of the Marape-Rosso Government with particular emphasis on international community confidence, following the events of Wednesday January 10th. Minister Tkatchenko said that paramount to this immediate and priority list for Foreign Affairs, is to reinstill and regain the confidence of the international community and organisations. “My main objective is to bring back confidence to the international communities, organisations and those who live in PNG, and making sure that they understand and have all crucial and important information in relation to the national government’s approach in dealing with the aftermath of the recent riots in Port Moresby and the country.” “It took one day to destroy all our hard work, and the effort we put in for the last 16 months, but we are resilient, we will turn this around and come back bigger and better. The minister said the job now is to bring back the confidence of the international communities and giving them assurance through the implementation of the government’s policies and reforms in dealing with this matter, especially when it comes to security. He added that the department is also committed to coordinate and work with the missions, organisations and honorary counsel going forward. “The department will work to ensure that information in relation to how the government will roll out assistance, programs, projects and laws and regulations in relation especially to security in the country, is available to the diplomatic community.” The third priority as outlined by the Minister, is to work closely with all international partners and missions to implement outstanding treaties, and agreements that the government had undertaken and signed. This includes working with other government departments to assist implement agreements and treaties that have already been signed. Minister Tkatckenko said that the fourth priority is to ensure the Foreign Affairs Policy White Paper is completed. He said the Foreign Policy White Paper is an all-important document that will guide PNG on all Foreign Policy arrangements and directions. “It’s an important document that sets the guidelines for the benefit of our country’s reputation and wellbeing.” The fifth priority for the department is to complete all reforms and restructure, and the long overdue corporate plan. “There is lack of qualified staff in Foreign Affairs and we will ensure all positions are filled with reputable highly educated Papua New Guineans.” Additionally, Minister Tkatchenko said the sixth priority is to ensure that all positions throughout the world, at overseas foreign missions are occupied by genuine, experienced and qualified Papua New Guineans. “We need to ensure that we fill all positions this year to fulfil the duties and roles of Heads of Missions to implement our government’s directives in those countries.” “Working with international missions here and abroad, it is our responsibility to ensure all our obligations to the organisations are fulfilled, paid for and secure so we can participate at these important meetings around the world.” “We will continue to re-fleet all overseas missions and upgrade, renovate and restore to a professional and modern standard.” Minister Tkatchenko also thanked the government for a substantial budget allocation in the 2023 and 2024 National Budgets. This he said will enable the implementation of the departments programs and activities in respect to its international relationships.