Oleh/By		:	DATO' SERI DR. MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD 
Tempat/Venue 	: 	PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA 
Tarikh/Date 	: 	19/10/82 
Tajuk/Title  	: 	A STATE DINNER HOSTED BY THE PRIME 
			MINISTER OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA THE 
			T. HON. MICHAEL SOMARE 




The Rt. Hon. Michael Somare; Mrs. Somare; Your Excellencies; Distinguished
Guests; Ladies and Gentlemen.

Thank you very much, Mr. Prime Minister, for your kind and generous words
of welcome. My wife and I, and members of my delegation are particularly
delighted to have this opportunity to visit Papua New Guinea. Earlier this
year, we had only briefly touched down at Jackson Airport.

Mr. Prime Minister, 

2. My visit here today is to reaffirm the friendship between our two
countries and to bring to the Government and people of Papua New Guinea
the warmest greetings from the Government and people of Malaysia.

3. Papua New Guinea is Malaysia's close neighbour immediately after the
ASEAN circle. You are also a special link to the wider South Pacific
region for us, helping to develop a meaningful communication between
members of the South Pacific Forum and ASEAN. Undoubtedly great potential
exists for us to cooperate together in a variety of ways for our mutual
benefit. The establishment of a resident Malaysian diplomatic mission in
Port Moresby earlier this year bears testimony to the importance which we
attach to our relations with Papua New Guinea and the desire to intensify
our bilateral interaction. Naturally during this visit, I hope to get to
know you better at first hand and to be more aware of your interests.

4. Recently our two countries happily celebrated our respective
independence anniversary. Yours was held last month while ours in
August. Looking back, both Papua New Guinea and Malaysia have been
fortunate to achieve independence in an orderly and peaceful way. Indeed
we share many similar ideals and aspirations in meeting the challenges of
national development and in looking after our own affairs.

5. Over the years, Malaysia has gradually acquired experience and
expertise in certain developmental fields. These include agricultural
research to increase productivity, and land development and management
both for smallholdings as well as large plantations. Some of these
experiences might be relevant to Papua New Guinea's requirements. In our
talks this afternoon, Mr. Prime Minister, we have already identified
several areas of possible cooperation. I am confident there is
considerable scope for us to explore further areas that can bring mutual
benefit to our two countries.

6. The Government of Malaysia fully subscribes to the concept of economic
and technical cooperation among developing countries. Malaysians are ready
to participate in practical economic and technical programmes with Papua
New Guinea. We are your 'wantoks' and we look forward to sharing our
modest skills and know-how with you. The spinoffs of better understanding
and goodwill from increased contact and cooperation between our peoples
will surely strengthen our friendship.

7. Like Papua New Guinea, Malaysia is a producer of primary
commodities. Commodity prices are depressingly low. Naturally we in
Malaysia are feeling the pinch. The slump in prices is attributed to the
current world economic recession and everyone is impatient for its
recovery. At the same time, Malaysia is extremely unhappy at the
manipulation of commodity prices by the various exchanges located in the
developed countries. Scant regard is paid to the producers. To ensure
reasonable prices, such an unhealthy system has to be dismantled. This
conviction has led Malaysia to participate in the formation of tin and
rubber producers associations to ensure fair and stable prices.

Mr. Prime Minister, 

8. You and I have just left Suva where, for the last several days, we had
met with our other Commonwealth colleagues from the Asia-Pacific
region. We had talked on a range of international and regional issues and
listened to each other. As you are aware, for Malaysia, the unresolved
Kampuchean question continues to be of serious concern. It is a threat to
regional peace and security and it only encourages big power rivalry to
brew in our midst. Furthermore, the Kampuchean question impedes efforts by
the ASEAN members to realise their goal of a Zone of Peace, Freedom and
Neutrality in Southeast Asia.

9. Together with our ASEAN partners, Malaysia has actively pursued,
particularly at the United Nations, efforts for a comprehensive political
solution to the question of Kampuchea. In this regard, we are deeply
appreciative of the support and understanding rendered by Papua New
Guinea. The recent successful formation of the Coalition Government of
Democratic Kampuchea under the leadership of Prince Sihanouk is
heartening. Malaysia earnestly hopes that peace, freedom and dignity would
soon be restored to the Kampuchean people.

Mr. Prime Minister, 

10. I am honoured and overwhelmed by the warmth and gracious hospitality
extended to my wife and I, and members of my delegation, in the short time
that we have been in Port Moresby. May I express our most sincere
appreciation to the Government and people of Papua New Guinea. I look
forward to having the opportunity to reciprocate your generosity in the
near future.

Thank you.

Prime Minister's Office, Kuala Lumpur.