from The National

Dell’Arricia made the remarks during his address to invited guests at the celebration of Europe Day at the Holiday Inn on Wednesday evening.

He said the EU was the second largest donor to PNG and its present five-year programme of assistance with the government exceeded K600 million in direct grants.

The EU is by far the world’s largest donor of international assistance and 60% of the money is spent to help developing countries. Dell’Arricia said that EU was also the main contributor to health initiatives such as the global fund to fight malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/ AIDS.

Mr Dell’Arricia added he was pleased to announce that out of the European Development Fund, the EU signed a financing agreement with Treasurer Sir Rabbie Namaliu last Monday to provide K20 million to facilitate the participation of civil society in the process of economic and social development.

He said EU aid was not limited to programmable aid.

“EU also provided emergency aid but continued to support rehabilitation and reconstruction phases.”

He cited , for example, the K6 million in support of the Gazelle Restoration Authority.

“The funds were used to complete the reconstruction programmes launched after the 1994 twin eruptions of Mt Tavurvur and Vulcan volcanoes in Rabaul,” Mr Dell’Arricia said.

“Our development aid is implemented under the form of partnership and our ambition is to respond to the real needs of the beneficiary countries.

“This is the Europe in which we believe in and this is a good friend of the people and the Government of Papua New Guinea,” Mr Dell’Arricia said.