The World - News from Aug. 24, 1987

Papua New Guinea said it will consider establishing relations with the Soviet Union as part of its efforts toward a more independent foreign policy. Prime Minister Paias Wingti, reelected for a second term this month, said in a statement that Papua New Guinea also wants to strengthen its ties with the United States, Japan and China. Until now, the country’s foreign policy has focused on its neighbors in the South Pacific, particularly Australia. It has no formal ties with Moscow, but officials said there is interest in opening trade links, including a possible fishing agreement.