Australia on Tuesday announced an increased aid package to the Pacific Islands of US$970 million.
Papua New Guinea's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Rimbink Pato Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
The same day, New Zealand announced it would hike foreign aid by $US500 million over the next four years, primarily for the Pacific.
The Post Courier quoted the minister, Rimbink Pato, saying the increased funding was destined to have a significant impact in the islands region.
He said it would give Pacific Island states the opportunity to boost their capacity to develop economically and in the areas of governance and security.
Australia was already PNG's biggest development partner, but Mr Pato said the new package was its largest ever and took the relationship to a new level.
The minister also highlighted the extra help Australia would be providing towards PNG hosting the APEC leaders summit in November and with the installation of a new undersea communications cable.
It was clear from recent high-level meetings between his government and those of both Australia and New Zealand that their relationships with PNG were highly valued, Mr Pato said.
PNG also welcomed the development assistance provided by other partner countries such as Japan, the United States of America, South Korea and China, he said.