Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has echoed Pope Francis’ message of forgiveness and reconciliation during the country’s 49th independence anniversary.

The Prime Minister pointed out that this message was in line with the dreams and aspirations of the country’s Founding Fathers at Independence.

“I want us all to bear in mind and keep in our hearts the message by Pope Francis who visited us earlier this month. The Pontiff spoke of tolerance, forgiveness, empathy and unity. These are important as our country turns 49 years today.

“Despite our political differences, cultural and language diversity, we have remained united as a nation for 49 years. That is something we all must be proud of,” he said.

The Prime Minister in remembering the joyous events of 1975 and in honor of PNG’s Founding Fathers, appealed to all citizens to stay united as a nation for the next 49 years.

“I come to you tonight with a similar dream to ask you to come together from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville to the western-most part of our country in total unity as we celebrate our 49th anniversary.

“We must find a common resolve to remain united, to heal the divides and to bridge the gaps that exist in our midst, and to ensure our people – in spite of the differences of tribe, religion, colour of skin – so long as we call PNG home, we must make PNG a better place for all.

“We must do this as we near our 50th Independence anniversary next year 2025,” he said.

The Prime Minister was speaking at PNG’s 49th Independence Anniversary dinner on the night of Sunday, 15 September 2024 at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, Konedobu.

The stadium is historical in that it was there that the Australian flag was lowered for the last time and the flag of the newly-created nation of Papua New Guinea raised on 16 September 1975.