Justin Tkatchenko

PNG foreign minister stands aside over Coronation travel cost controversy

Tkatchenko said in a statement on Friday that he "stood aside" after consulting with Prime Minister James Marape, who would assume the portfolio.

"I want to make sure the recent events do not interfere with the official visits and summits we are going to have with all the World Leaders in the coming weeks," Tkatchenko said

"I also want to ensure the truth of this matter is cleared and the misinformation and lies are corrected," he added.

Tkatchenko pleased with world cup preparations

The World Cup tournament will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand from October 27-December 2, while PNG will host the Kumuls’ three pool matches in Port Moresby.

Tkatchenko said it is very well organised and he is pleased with the way the professional team and host committee are moving forward.

The host city, through the National Capital District Commission, has given K5m with the Government topping up with another K5m to host the event.

Tkatchenko reassures PNG'S support to Tonga

In a press conference in Tonga this week, Tkatchenko told Tonga Internal Affairs Minister,  Sosefo Fe'aomoeata Vakata that PNG will identify and assist Tonga in areas where it can.

"Three years is suitable enough time to prepare, compared to the amount of time Papua New Guinea had to prepare for the 2015 Games, and we want to be able to help start immediately," said Tkatchenko.

Tkatchenko said besides assistance with infrastructure and planning, PNG will also help Tonga athletes prepare under the High Performance Training Centre in Port Moresby.

PNG to help Tonga with Pacific Games

This announcement was made today after a meeting with Prime Minister of Tonga Akilishi Pohiva.

O’Neill says PNG will help build the main stadium that will host track and field events and also help build the High Performance Centre.

He says PNG has experience in in hosting such events in difficult circumstances.

“Our experts will be available if they require assistance,” O’Neill says.

To emphasise PNG’s promise to assist the Sports and Tourism Minister Justin Tkatchenko will lead a delegation to Tonga to assess areas in which PNG can provide help.

Tonga needs K380m to host 2019 Pacific Games

Prime Minister of Tonga Akilishi Pohiva arrived today in Port Moresby to discuss the preparations of the games with the big brother, PNG.

 Pohiva admitted that the commitment was made  by the previous government and  it was not his dealings but he would honour it and make it happen.

In a brief media conference at the Jacksons International press room after his arrival, Pohiva said his delegation is here for bilateral talks with the PNG government on what will be the next step in terms of the games preparations.

Tonga PM here to assess our Games effort

Sports and Tourism Minister Justin Tkatchenko welcomed Pohiva and his delegation at the Jackson international airport. 

In a brief conference with the media, Pohiva explained that his trip was to see and learn how PNG government built the Pacific Games facilities and hosted the successful Games last year. 

Pohiva will be meeting Prime Minister Peter O'Neill tomorrow. 

The Prime Minister and his delegation will leave for Tonga on Tuesday. 

He was accompanied by his Internal Affairs Minister Feaomoeata Vakata and other officials.

Minister leading baton relay

Hundreds gathered, waiting for MP Justin Tkatchenko to arrive and start the relay.

He turned up with his daughters, vowing to make the walk all the way to police headquarters at Konedobu.

The Tkatchenko family and supporters were walking down the Scratchley Rd hill to Sabama by 9am and being welcomed by throngs of students and residents all the way.