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Rudd headed to PNG

Posted March 6, 2008 00:30:00

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd arrives in Papua New Guinea today, where climate change and the future of the Kokoda Track will dominate his agenda.

Extra police are on standby in Port Moresby, amid tensions over the fate of the Kokoda Track.

It is an issue that is likely to be raised by Mr Rudd in talks with his PNG counterpart Michael Somare.

Mr Rudd wants an Australian-sponsored heritage listing for the track, to protect it from development.

Today's talks will also the fight against HIV and ways of attracting seasonal migrant workers to Australia.

In opposition, Mr Rudd promised greater economic support for island nations by building a Pacific partnership.

In July last year he warned doing nothing would spark an influx of refugees.

Tomorrow, Mr Rudd will arrive in the Solomon Islands.

Tags: government-and-politics, federal-government, foreign-affairs, australia, papua-new-guinea

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