Papua New Guinea (PNG) joined the rest of the Commonwealth nations to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III with an in- country ceremony yesterday Saturday 06th of May, held at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby city during the evening.
Acting Governor General and Speaker of Parliament, Job Pomat, said PNG has a long history with the Monarchy having shared many interests, and conveyed on behalf of the people of PNG the country’s warmest congratulations of His Majesty’s Coronation as King of the United Kingdom (UK) and the Commonwealth realm of nations.
“We value our ties with the United Kingdom and our membership of the Commonwealth; thus, on this momentous occasion, we affirm our commitment and our assertion to the Monarchy,” said the Acting Governor General.
Pomat said PNG and the UK have always engaged in excellent relations since pre- independence time.
“We have benefited from this association and the Commonwealth nations in many areas, including economic development, trade and bilateral relations, and human development.”
“I am convinced that this bond of trust, friendship and cooperation will further strengthen during His Majesty’s reign. It is hoped that under the reign of King Charles III, the UK and the Commonwealth will continue to prosper, enjoy peace and stability and continue to be a defender for good, for promotion of democratic value, human rights, the rule of law, and peace throughout the world.
“In these and other matters which the UK is a passionate advocator such as the environment, climate change, renewable energy, and small island developing states, we pledge our commitment and support.”
Meanwhile, King Charles III has a long history and relationship with PNG that goes back to the 1960s. His Majesty was present to witness PNG’s independence on 16th September 1975.
In 1984 he officiated at the opening of the parliament house in Port Moresby and in 2012, he visited the country to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
In his earlier visit to PNG, King Charles visited the Dogura Marty’s Memorial School near Popondetta in the Northern Province back in the 1960s, when he was a student in Australia on a student exchange program.