On 25 February 2013, the ASEAN Heads of Mission hosted a farewell luncheon for the Australian High Commissioner, HE Ian Kemish and his wife, Ms. Roxanne Martens at the Official Residence of the Indonesian Ambassador.
HE Ian Kemish, whose tenure in Port Moresby is about to conclude, is a senior and experienced Australian diplomat. Prior to his PNG appointment, HE Kemish’s overseas service include Germany, Austria and Brunei Darussalam. He was seconded to New Zealand and had spent some time in Indonesia. He speaks fluent Tok Pisin that helps him to connect with Papua New Guineans from every walk of life.
His tenure has witnessed the strengthening of Australia – Papua New Guinea bilateral relations with the implementation of various development programme including technical assistance, capacity building programme and awareness campaign for the community such as health, education, leadership, gender awareness etc. The assistance from the Australian Government also came in the form of building and upgrade of key infrastructure for the people such as clinics, hospitals, training institutions, administration blocks, roads and schools around the country.
In her farewell speech, PYT Datin Seri Blanche Olbery, High Commissioner of Malaysia, expressed ASEAN group’s sincere appreciation to HE Ian Kemish for the support and advice he shared during his 3 years tenure in Papua New Guinea. PYT High Commissioner also mentioned about ASEAN’s longstanding relationship with Australia. Australia is the first Dialogue Partner ASEAN. The close collaborative cooperation between ASEAN and Australia that started in 1974 covers the areas of regional security, culture, trade, education and development. ASEAN Ministers, Australia together with New Zealand signed the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement on 27 February 2009, which subsequently entered into force on 1 January 2010.
Currently there are three ASEAN missions in Papua New Guinea – Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. ASEAN member countries, in their bilateral capacity, actively participate in Papua New Guinea in development process most notably in the areas of trade and investment cooperation, education and capacity building programme.
The lunch was also attended by Indian High Commissioner, HE Dr. AM Gondane and his wife, Mrs Varsha Gondane, New Zealand High Commissioner, HE Marion Crawshaw, Deputy Head of Mission of the French Embassy, Mr. Gilles Stern, Counsellor of the Indonesian Embassy, Mr. Alexander Tangkuman and Counsellor of the Malaysian High Commission, Mr. Farzamie Sarkawi.
A variety of ASEAN cuisines were served – Chicken Ragout, Chicken Satay Stick, Gado-Gado, Nasi Lemak, Mee Goreng, Vegetarian Kare-Kare, Buko Salad, Steamed Rice, Pumpkin Cake and Teh Tarik.
