The Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, has defended his government's decision to buy three super luxurious Bentleys to transport dignitaries during next month's APEC meeting.
Peter O'Neill Photo: RNZI / Koro Vaka'uta
The PNG opposition revealed on Tuesday the government was importing the Bentleys which are worth more than $US230,000 each.
There has been widespread criticism at the extravagance when the country is struggling to provide many basic services.
But Mr O'Neill said three of the heads of state attending the APEC meeting require "certain minimum standard" vehicles.
He didn't tell our correspondent which particular heads of state he was referring to.
The government has also been condemned for buying 40 Maseratis and dozens of luxury SUVs for the APEC gathering.