Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has affirmed Papua New Guinea’s strength in accepting, tolerating and living with diversity.
Prime Minister Marape made this statement at the reception of the opening of the new Papua New Guinea Embassy in Jerusalem last night (5/9/23).
“In 1975 when we assembled into one nationhood, we brought together over 860 different tribal language groups in their own tribal setting,” said PM Marape.
“We assembled as one nation, and this unity is something we would like to show to the world – that we can live amidst diversity and tolerate each other with our own perspectives.”
The Prime Minister told guests that PNG has the ability to show and teach the world that people can live united amidst a diversity of cultures, languages, religious backgrounds, and different worldviews.
“As we establish our Embassy in Jerusalem, it is not to downplay others who have the right to visit or live in Jerusalem,” he added.
“It is not to downplay their rights of co-existence in Jerusalem, especially those who hold views as Christians and those who hold views as Muslims.
“As we establish our Embassy here in Jerusalem – and from a Christian perspective – we would like to shine out the Love of Jesus Christ that tells us to respect others as we would expect them to respect us.
“We will work in partnership with the Nation of Israel to ensure that we live together and co-exist side-by-side without talking too much about the past.
“And more importantly, creating a better future for our children as we live within our rich diversity, preserving humanity, and other common interests of humanity.
“From a Christian-Judeo perspective, this is something we can offer to the world – that the world can be a better place to live in.
“So it is not by mistake, or accident or a coincidence that PNG has established its mission here in Israel,” he said.
As he concluded his remarks, Prime Minister Marape thanked the Israeli Government, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Cabinet for giving PNG a space in Israel to continue and expand the two countries’ bi-lateral ties.