H.E. Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae, GCL, GCMG, KStJ, Governor General of Papua New Guinea, officially welcomed the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese to the country at Government House this morning.
Prime Minister Albanese is on his first Official Visit to Papua New Guinea since becoming Australia’s Prime Minister in 2022. Mr. Albanese visited the Governor General shortly after his arrival to a military guard of honour at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby.
Speaking with the Governor General, Prime Minister Albanese expressed his gratitude for the ‘warm welcome reception’ he received on his arrival.
He informed the Governor General that his visit to PNG was to build on the existing close relations shared between Australia and PNG and to lay the groundwork for closer ties between the two countries as PNG heads towards its 50th independence anniversary.
“I have strongly campaigned for greater interaction with Papua New Guinea for stronger economic and social interaction. We have a lot in common as far as our history is concerned and my visit aims to lay the groundwork for closer ties between our two countries for the next 50 years as PNG celebrates 50 years of independence in 2025,” Mr. Albanese said.
Regarding his visit, Prime Minister Albanese also expressed his gratitude for the honour to extended to him by his counterpart Prime Minister James Marape to address Parliament today.
“It is the greatest honour and privilege in my life and as Prime Minister of Australia to be given this honour to address the Parliament during my visit and I feel privileged for the opportunity to do so,” Mr. Albanese said.
Grand Chief Sir Bob said, Papua New Guinea cherishes the close relationship shared between PNG and Australia, adding that both countries look at more meaningful people to people interaction and corporation in the areas of education exchange programs and employment opportunities.
Prime Minister Albanese will travel to Wewak, East Sepik province as part of his two days Official Visit.