Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrapped up his two days visit with a trip to Wewak in East Sepik Province as a mark of significance of the relationship Papua New Guinea and Australia have before and after independence.
Speaking at the Moem Barracks when making his visit to inspect the guard, he told the people, soldiers and local leaders, including Governor Allan Bird that his trip to Wewak, apart from other engagements, was to pay tribute to the man who got PNG’s independence from Australia in a peaceful way and then continued to maintain that relationship onwards.
“We have flown in to Wewak to pay tribute to late Somare and this is significant because in a few years you will be celebrating 50 years of independence,” he said.
He said this relationship will continue as the future of the two nations are linked and therefore, trade and investment, exchange of workers, defense and security will continue to be strengthened.
Much of that was discussed during the 4th Annual Bilateral Leaders Dialogue in Port Moresby on Thursday 12th January, which he believes should pave way for better trade, economic and security relations.
PM Albanese was later given a guard of honor at Boram Airport by the Second Royal Pacific Islands Regiment to farewell him and his delegation back to Port Moresby and then back to Australia this evening.