Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has extended warm congratulations to President Donald J. Trump, the U.S. Government, and the American people on their 249th Independence Day, celebrating the enduring values of liberty, democracy, and faith.

Prime Minister Marape is currently in St. Louis, Missouri, attending the 62nd General Conference Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church as an official guest during the opening session. He has been invited to deliver remarks highlighting “PNG for Christ 2024,” a national Christian outreach initiative.

Reflecting on the significance of the day, Prime Minister Marape praised the United States as “the world’s greatest free‑market economy, the greatest democracy, and the greatest Christian nation.”

“As we mark the 249th birthday of the United States, we also reflect on the rejuvenation of Christianity and the global evangelisation of the Christian message,” he said. “The United States stands as a beacon of freedom, faith, and opportunity — a country built on timeless values that allow every person to become the best version of themselves.”

He said the symbolic timing of the event — a major religious gathering held on the American Independence Day — served as a powerful reminder of the importance of religious liberty and freedom of conscience, principles also enshrined in Papua New Guinea’s founding law.

“Our Constitution, especially Section  43, upholds religious liberty and embraces freedom of conscience in its entirety,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Just like the United States, Papua New Guinea is a land of great diversity — not from migration, but founded on our rich indigenous heritage. We, too, cherish freedom, faith, and unity in diversity.”

He commended the nearly two-and-a-half centuries of American nation‑building and noted how the U.S. model of democracy, free enterprise, and religious tolerance continues to inspire countries around the world, including Papua New Guinea.

“As we prepare to mark 50 years of our own independence in September 2025, we look to friends and partners like the United States as examples and inspiration,” Prime Minister Marape said.

The Prime Minister concluded by extending Papua New Guinea’s heartfelt best wishes to President Trump, the U.S. Government, and the American people on this important national day.