It's now 'Chief'' Bill Clinton

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Former President Bill Clinton has been made an honorary chief of Papua New Guinea during a visit to promote the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Clinton was made a Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu after a meeting with PNG Prime Minister Michael Somare after signing a memorandum of understanding between the PNG government and the Clinton foundation for it to provide assistance in combating HIV/AIDS in the Pacific nation.

Logohu means bird of paradise, the national emblem of Papua New Guinea, and the award entitles Clinton to use the honorary title of chief.

Somare said at a news conference the award was given for Clinton's "outstanding leadership for the good of mankind ... and his commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS."

Papua New Guinea has the highest incidence of the disease in the Pacific region with about 2 percent of its population estimated to be HIV-positive.

Clinton left PNG for Cambodia Sunday night on the next leg of his tour to promote HIV/AIDS charities.