THREE PAPUA NEW GUINEA HEADS OF MISSIONS COMMISSIONED TO SERVE IN OVERSEAS MISSIONS
Three Papua New Guineans were commissioned as Heads of Mission to serve in various countries, including Fiji, the Philippines, and Switzerland (Geneva). The commissioning ceremony took place on August 25, 2025, at the Department of Foreign Affairs Office, following their appointment by the Government of Papua New Guinea.
The new Heads of Missions are;
High Commissioner-designate of Papua New Guinea to the Republic of Fiji, Her Excellency, Ms, Jacinta Tony-Barrion;
Permanent Representative-designate of Papua New Guinea to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva and Ambassador-designate to Switzerland, Her Excellency, Ms. Michelle Hau’ofa;
Ambassador-designate of Papua New Guinea to the Republic of the Philippines, His Excellency, Mr. Stephen Pokanis.
These individuals possessed a wealth of experience and have constantly demonstrated professionalism in various capacities, making them ideal representatives of Papua New Guinea abroad.
During the ceremony, Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Justin Tkatchenko acknowledged the Marape-Rosso Government’s efforts in strengthening PNG’s diplomatic ties with these countries. He emphasized that these appointments will enable progress on important agendas and further demonstrate the Government’s commitment to enhancing foreign relations with key bilateral partners and international organizations.
The appointments aim to build and maintain strong diplomatic ties, promote trade, investment, and economic cooperation with the host countries.
Minister Tkatchenko congratulated the three distinguished diplomats on their appointments and assured them of the Department’s full support as they embark on their new roles in representing Papua New Guinea abroad.
