Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, has announced the appointment of Colonel Gilbert Toropo as new Defence Force commander.
He replaces Brigadier-General Francis Agwi, whose term expired in December.
The Post-Courier quotes Mr O'Neill as saying Colonel Toropo is a highly trained professional soldier who has demonstrated leadership and discipline, rising to the rank of colonel in 2012.
Colonel Toropo, who is 51, is from the Southern Highlands.
