KEY POINTS:
New Zealand is to spend over $300 million over the next decade on projects in Papua New Guinea.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters said in a statement, following the signing of a NZAid-Papua New Guinea country strategy in Port Moresby today, that the focus of the new aid would be on health, education and economic growth.
Mr Peters said the strategy marked "a major milestone in the relationship between the two countries" and showed New Zealand's commitment to helping the Pacific.
"The strategy focuses in on two objectives that are critical if the people of PNG are to build better lives for themselves: improving the delivery in health and education services, and improving employment opportunities."
PNG is New Zealand's second largest bilateral aid recipient, with an annual programme of $22.5 million, to increase to $30 million in 2009/10.
- NZPA
