Abbott has private catch-up with PNG PM

Tony Abbott has had a private catch-up with Papua New Guinea's prime minister.

The encounter with Peter O'Neill was the latest in a series of meetings the former prime minister has had with world leaders and dignitaries in the six months since he was toppled by Malcolm Turnbull.

Mr O'Neill was in Australia last week to hold bilateral talks with Mr Turnbull and senior government officials.

He said he had an enjoyable informal meeting with Mr Abbott and had appreciated his support and efforts to advance "sensitive issues" during his time in the top job.

"We had a close working relationship," Mr O'Neill said.

Mr Abbott has also hobnobbed with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron, former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger and former Republican presidential candidate John McCain in the past six months.