The Chief of Mission of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Mr David James Arnold presented his credentials to Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Justin Tkatchenko MP, on Thursday, 13th February, 2025.

Mr Donald said IOM is a committed partner with the United States and with the Government of Papua New Guinea reaching displaced populations in remote communities, assisting stranded migrants, and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable groups.

He said IOM is engaged in a range of different areas and that he was looking forward to strengthening that partnership for safe border immigration as well as address drivers of displacement to identify solutions to support disaster risk reduction and to support community stabilisation and peace building.”

IOM has been operating in PNG since 2001, working on complex emergencies, providing humanitarian relief, and building capacity of the government.

Operating through its head office in Port Moresby and field offices throughout the country, IOM’s programmes focus on disaster management, emergency preparedness and response, counter-trafficking in persons, assisting voluntary return and reintegration, migration and border management, and integration.

Minister Tkatchenko welcomed Mr Donald to the country and is he’s looking forward to working with him in strengthening the good partnership with IOM.

Minister Tkatchenko highlighted that PNG has issues of drug trafficking, illegal logging and fishing which needs attention to assist in addressing these situations using their technology and assets.