Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meets with Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on December 7, 2023. (Photo: AAP Image via AP, The Asahi Shimbun)
Sunday 14th September, 2025
Australian Prime Minister Hon. Anthony Albanese will travel to Papua New Guinea this week to join celebrations marking the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary.
Mr Albanese will be in Port Moresby from 15 to 17 September, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles and Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy.
He said Australia was proud to stand with Papua New Guinea on this historic milestone.
“Papua New Guinea is not only one of our closest neighbours but also the truest of friends,” Mr Albanese said.
“Ties between our nations run deep, and over the past 50 years our friendship has continued to evolve and mature.”
Australia and PNG share cooperation across many areas, including health, education, security, infrastructure, agriculture, sport, and gender equality.
During his visit, Mr Albanese will also hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister James Marape.
“I look forward to discussions with Prime Minister Marape on how we can continue to expand our relationship as neighbours, partners and equals,” he said.
Papua New Guinea marks 50 years of independence on Tuesday, 16 September, with a series of national celebrations planned across the country.
