Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, MP, today officially welcomed the new Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Ewen Neil McDonald, during a courtesy call at the Office of the Prime Minister in Port Moresby.
Prime Minister Marape expressed his appreciation to H.E. McDonald for the meeting and warmly welcomed him to Papua New Guinea, noting the significance of his appointment during a milestone year for the nation.
On behalf of the Government and people of Papua New Guinea, Prime Minister Marape conveyed his congratulations to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party on their recent electoral victory.
He highlighted the historic bond between both nations, acknowledging that the Australian Labor Government was the administration that granted independence to Papua New Guinea on 16th September 1975.
“It is deeply symbolic that the Labor Government is once again leading Australia as we prepare to celebrate 50 years of independence,” Prime Minister Marape said.
He reaffirmed that Papua New Guinea places great value on its relationship with Australia, describing it as “the most diverse and important” bilateral partnership.
“As we look forward to marking 50 years of political self-determination, we also celebrate a significant chapter in the enduring relationship between our two nations,” the Prime Minister added.
Prime Minister Marape acknowledged Australia as PNG’s largest development partner, providing an estimated AU$637.4 million in Official Development Assistance for 2024–2025.
He noted that the PNG–Australia relationship has evolved into a deeper economic and strategic partnership, underpinned by trade and investment, security cooperation, and stronger people-to-people ties.
“Our bilateral ties have broadened with the Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership (CSEP) 2020–2030 and the signing of the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) in 2023,” he said.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Marape extended a formal invitation for Australia to join in the celebrations of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary on 16th September 2025.